Description
A rare opportunity to acquire an early Amilcar CS Torpedo — a lightweight and highly engaging pre-war sporting car combining period competition character, desirable Duval coachwork and unusually well-documented international provenance.
Increasingly, collectors are gravitating towards usable and characterful pre-war sports cars that offer a genuinely involving driving experience rather than static museum appeal. This Amilcar sits firmly within that category — light, direct and full of mechanical charm.
The Car
Built in 1925 and later titled in 1928, this Amilcar CS Torpedo represents one of the marque’s most important early sporting models, positioned as a more focused and capable evolution of the lightweight voiturette concept that defined Amilcar during the mid-1920s.
Powered by an inline four-cylinder engine producing approximately 25 horsepower and paired to a 3-speed manual gearbox, the CS delivered impressive performance for its era thanks to its exceptionally lightweight construction and responsive chassis.
This example benefits from highly desirable Duval Torpedo coachwork, featuring distinctive staggered seating and unmistakable period competition influence.
The car presents as a well-maintained and highly usable pre-war sports car, featuring:
- Rare Amilcar CS specification
- Desirable Duval Torpedo coachwork
- Originally UK-supplied example
- Solex sidedraft carburettor
- Four-wheel mechanical drum brakes
- Correct period mechanical specification
- Attractive green colour scheme
- Accompanied by period components including original generator, windscreen cowl and Brooklands-style racing screens
The result is a car that delivers exactly the sort of lightweight, mechanical and highly analogue driving experience increasingly difficult to find today.
Ownership & History
- Originally delivered new to the UK and registered as “YN 16”
- Known ownership and location history spanning England, Malaya, -Singapore and Europe
- Part of a private collection since 2014
- Long-term enthusiast ownership
- Supported by restoration and mechanical history
The international provenance of this car adds genuine depth to its story, reflecting the sort of adventurous ownership history often associated with early sporting machinery.
Importantly, the car has remained an active and maintained example rather than becoming a dormant collection piece.
Service & Recent Work
During prior ownership, the car benefitted from restoration and mechanical recommissioning works to ensure ongoing usability and reliability.
Key works and preparation include:
- Engine rebuild carried out during prior ownership
- Mechanical recommissioning and ongoing maintenance
- Continued upkeep within private collector ownership
- Retention of period-correct mechanical specification
- Maintained in strong running and driving condition
The emphasis has clearly been on preserving usability and character, rather than over-restoration or modernisation.
Why It Stands Out
- Rare surviving example of Amilcar’s early sporting CS model
- Highly desirable Duval coachwork
- Originally UK-supplied with documented international provenance
- Retains correct pre-war mechanical character
- Accompanied by period components and accessories
- Lightweight and engaging driving experience
- Eligible for a wide variety of historic motoring events and rallies
The best pre-war sporting cars are increasingly those that remain mechanically honest, lightweight and genuinely enjoyable to drive. This Amilcar represents exactly that philosophy.
Summary
A rare and highly characterful Amilcar CS Torpedo, combining lightweight pre-war performance, desirable coachwork and unusually strong provenance.
Equally suited to historic motoring events, rallies or inclusion within a serious pre-war collection.
Viewing
The car is available to view by appointment at our Kent showroom. Please get in touch for further details or to arrange a viewing.
