With over 250 stunning illustrations this book covers: • The changes in the French motor industry that led to the cyclecar boom of the 1920s • How the chance meeting of a few individuals with a common goal started the marque • The continuing development, innovation and drive to improve the breed • The problems of the later years and models that were not so successful • Historic photographs from the era and detailed images of surviving cars today • Technical data and related ephemera
Amilcar – The Complete Story is a journey through Amilcar’s history, starting with the rebuilding of the French automobile industry out of the ashes of World War I and the opportunistic meeting of the four key people who started the company. The roller-coaster ride continues through the Roaring Twenties and hardships of the Depression years, to the last struggles to keep the Amilcar name alive.
Chris Martin was born and raised in Arkley, Hertfordshire, and while still at school had a weekend job at local racing driver John Brittens garage. He then graduated through the motor trade in London, going from an apprenticeship with a main Ford dealer and a spell with an Alfa Romeo dealership to working on formula racing cars through the 1980s, followed by twelve years as a design engineer in Formula One. Since moving to Australia in 2003, he has authored various motor-related books, written for classic car websites and magazines, and is a regular contributor to Classic & Sports Car. He runs a vintage Amilcar, is restoring another and served for five years as President of the Australian Motorlife Museum.
