Regular French registration papers

- Complete older restoration
- Attractive appearance
- High performance for its time

The Hotchkiss company was originally founded by Benjamin Hotchkiss in 1867 to manufacture cannons. Once peace had returned, he began to produce engine parts and then his first car in 1903. For a great many years, the car maker was a worthy representative of France, manufacturing high-quality cars from 1904–1955. With its logo consisting of a pair of crossed cannons, the make was reputed for the strength and reliability of its engineering. After the Great War, Hotchkiss began using a slogan it would never give up and which has become unforgettable: “The Hotchkiss make, the happy medium”. In a short space of time, it became a benchmark in its field, a car which was neither too small nor too big. The firm’s middle-class customers appreciated above all the quality, comfort and discreet appearance of Hotchkiss’ cars. The AM 2 replaced the AM with a new pushrod engine, a 2.5-litre 4-cylinder with side valves which was well balanced and delivered strong performance. It developed 56 bhp and was mated to a 4-speed gearbox, which was very much in advance at a time when its competitors only offered 3 speeds.

The car which we are offering for sale is an AM 2 model from 1926, chassis number 10139, which was first registered on 3 January 1926. It is fitted with the 12 hp pushrod engine, which at the time allowed “A relaxed ride at 100 kph”, as the slogan aptly put it! Following the ‘happy medium’, the car’s price of 45,000 francs placed it midway between a Citroën for the masses and an exclusive Hispano-Suiza. This Hotchkiss was fully restored in the 1990s and then sold to its current owner, a collector, in 2014. Today, it is attractively presented and, above all, complete. The upholstery is tightly stretched and the leatherette bodywork is also most attractive.

The current owner has included in the sale some rare period documentation for the Hotchkiss marque.