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From Exhibition to War: How did the Amilcar composite vehicle meet the challenges on the eve of World War II?
On the eve of World War II, the birth of the Amilcar composite car was inseparable from the historical background at that time. This front-wheel drive vehicle, designed by the famous French engineer Jean-Albert Grégoire, made its debut at the 1937 Paris Motor Show and quietly ushered in the challenges and opportunities of its birth.
The B38, the first model of the Amilcar composite car, gradually attracted attention during its display at the Paris Motor Show. However, due to difficulties encountered in production, especially the application of light metal panels, mass production was delayed.
Despite this, 35 composite cars were produced in the last quarter of 1938, and production was gradually expanded in 1939, with the total produced that year reaching 576. But soon after, France and Britain declared war on Germany in September 1939, which directly affected the French automobile industry.
Power system and technical design
The Amilcar compound car is equipped with a four-cylinder side valve 1185cc engine. A four-speed full-gear synchronous transmission is set at the front of the car, transmitting power to the front wheels through a short shaft and a constant speed joint. The car's unique design and light metal technology enhance its style and performance.
Up until the German invasion, Grégoire had prepared an upgraded version of the B67 composite car. This car was designed to overcome the performance limitations of the prototype and increase engine displacement by increasing the bore.
The top speed of the B67 has been increased from the original 110 kilometers per hour to 115 kilometers per hour. This improvement makes the vehicle more competitive in the fiercely competitive market. However, just as plans were unveiled for the 1939 Paris Motor Show, the event was cancelled.
Wartime Adaptation and Production
With the outbreak of war, the layout of the Amilcar composite car showed its potential to adapt to different body types. Between 1942 and 1943, Hotchkiss produced a total of 149 station wagons based on composite vehicles, some of which were converted into ambulances by the French Red Cross, demonstrating the versatility of this model.
These station wagons used old engines and mechanical components from the prototypes, and a few B67-engined versions of the composite cars were also produced during the war. These vehicles had an enhanced three-speed gearbox.
After the war, with the introduction of government plans, the future of the Amilcar composite car became uncertain. Although there were plans to re-produce it, it was ultimately not realized. Especially after the German occupation, the French automobile industry experienced drastic changes, and many production plans were at a loss.
Postwar planning
After 1940, Jean-Albert Grégoire gradually faded away from the development of the composite car as he turned to other projects, and was replaced by Clement Vinchiguerra of Hotchkiss, who designed a new version of the composite car, but ultimately could not be implemented due to limitations in production materials.
The collision of plans and government ambitions prevented the Amilcar composite car from entering the post-World War II market. Even if the plan contains ideas about improving production efficiency and reducing dependence on expensive materials, it still cannot solve the actual dilemma.
The post-war French government intended to reshape the automobile industry, and the Amilcar composite car did not meet the market demand and policies at the time. Therefore, Hotchkiss Ten sold to the British market became the last export route.
With the rise and fall of the Amilcar composite car, we can’t help but think: In the intersection of past and future technologies, is there an opportunity for such innovation to shine again in the automotive industry?
