Description
Hotchkiss Gregoire Only one registered in the UK, believed to be one of 60 still in existence in the world out of 247 ever produced. A stunning example which is crying out to be taken to the next level, she starts a drives on the button. Our car is chassis number 645 which was completed in July 1952, according to factory records, and appears to have been retained by the works rather than sold. Documents on file suggest it belonged to a French Biologist, Michel Gontier of Fourmies, from 1972-1996 before going to the Aalters Automobile Museum in Belgium where it remained until it was sold and imported 2015 to join a well known collection of interesting and highly original cars. It is indeed in remarkable condition for it age and only showing 48000 KM on the clock which could well be correct judging by the fine state of preservation today. It certainly drives like a low mileage car as we discovered on a lengthy, enjoyable road test through the Hampshire countryside. In true Galic style the ride quality is excellent and it purrs along happily at 60 mph, the soft suspension ironing out the bumps and corners with zero effort. The controls are light and responsive, the gearshift commendably slick once the pattern is mastered, needing two levers to get it into overdrive top. Hard to believe the car is nearly 70 years of age Interesting details abound, including the translucent red plastic steering wheel, wood grained metal dash and door cappings, dainty door, quarter light and window handles , semaphore indicators, tiny rear lights and translucent back-lit rear number plate. She has been treated to a service recently with all fluids changed , a brake overhaul, new exhaust, new tyres, new door rubbers and carburettor rebuild. Documentation includes V5 a 2017 copy of The Automobile with a 7 page feature on this very car, letter from the British Hotchkiss Society and various other invoices relating to the history. Highly original, low mileage, excellent runner rare as les dents des poules (hens teeth in French) - this Galic carriage ticks all the right boxes and would sit well in any collection. Find another!, And remember she's 70 years old!!!
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