Highlights

One of only seven ever built
Regularly maintained and in superb original condition
Soft top replaced in 2018
Matching numbers

The most

The 1950s was a period of great change in the French motor industry. On the one hand, the decade saw great innovation, with the launch of revolutionary models such as the Citroën ID/DS. But on the other hand, it was also the period that saw the demise of many of the country's major car manufacturers, something that could have been avoided had it not been for the post-war system introduced by Paul-Marie Pons. He imposed a repressive tax on luxury cars that killed off manufacturers such as Talbot-Lago, Bugatti, Delahaye and Hotchkiss. The latter brand had made great strides after the war with the introduction of the aluminium-bodied Grégoire; but Hotchkiss was also forced to close its doors in 1955.

Only 247 Grégoires were produced, of which only 7 were converted into convertibles by the legendary Chapron coachbuilders. Car & Classic is delighted to offer one of these 7 Grégoire Cabriolets. As the photographs show, this car is in very good condition, and we are assured that it drives very well, easily keeping pace with modern traffic. It is exceptionally rare for these cars to reach the market, so don't miss this excellent opportunity to acquire a rare piece of French motoring history.

History and Documents

1953 model, one of the last Grégoires built
Converted at the time by Henri Chapron, one of only seven convertibles made
The vendor informs us that the car retains its matching numbers
Regularly and carefully maintained throughout the current ownership period
Original and largely unrestored
Exempt from French MOT inspection
88,111 km indicated

Condition

Very good general condition
Thanks to the aluminium structure, the floorboards, side members, rocker panels and wheel arches are in very good condition
Chrome bumpers are aligned and in good condition
The bumpers have a few rub marks, small dents and scattered scratches
The soft top dates from 2018 and is in good condition
The original leather interior is in good condition with a few scratches
The front left seat has a small tear in the top left-hand corner
The paintwork, redone in 2018, is in good condition with a few superficial blemishes

It's impossible to mistake this Hotchkiss for anything else; its styling is truly unique, and it's the first model from the marque to ditch the pronounced wings synonymous with pre-war motoring. Largely built in aluminium, a material in abundance thanks to warplane production, the Grégoire boasts impressive curves and is very light. The elegant bonnet is another Chapron masterpiece, and it still looks good and works well. The Hotchkiss presents beautifully overall, with a light patina befitting a car of this age.

The Mechanics

2.2-litre four-cylinder boxer engine
Four-speed manual gearbox
The vendor informs us that this Hotchkiss continues to run well.
The engine compression test confirms a healthy engine
We are told that the engine starts easily, with no smoke or abnormal noises, and idles smoothly.
When driving, the engine revs up smoothly without jerking or overheating
The 4-speed manual gearbox with original column shifter operates smoothly and normally.
Clutch pedal grip is good and braking is balanced
The seller comments that the Hotchkiss drives very well, reaching a very usable cruising speed and easily able to keep up with today's traffic, including on the motorway.

With around 75 horsepower in factory configuration, this lightweight aluminium car offered very respectable performance for a car of its size. We are told that the Grégoire drives beautifully and that there are no known mechanical faults to report.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to Car & Classic's terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic's terms and conditions.

✓ We ask that a non-refundable fee is paid if you are the lucky winner of the auction or if your bid is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific fees.

✓ This vehicle is "sold as is", on an "as is, where is" basis and without warranty. Photographs and descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and it is customary to carry out a full vehicle inspection prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or tender price, as specified in the advert.

✓ We want the transaction to go as smoothly as you do, which is why UK-registered cars and motorbikes offered for sale on Car & Classic are HPI checked to ensure they have no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and are not financially pledged, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written off as part of a total loss at the time the advert is placed on Car & Classic and provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the status of the vehicle and it is always worth carrying out a full vehicle history check before making an offer on it.

✓ Buyers are responsible for the collection or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third party transport company who can assist you. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected].