French Shovel Nose Grilles

I recently wrote about the early-1930s American "shovel nose" grille styling fad.   The present post presents some French versions.  The term shovel nose refers to grilles where lower segments of vertical bars curved forward creating a shovel-like effect.

These first appeared in America for the 1932 model year, were somewhat common for 1933, and the final new appearance was on a 1934 brand.  By 1936 grille fashions had changed to convex "fencer's mask" designs.

Only a few French marques had shovel nose grilles.  They first appeared for 1934-35, but stayed in production at Peugeot a while longer.

Gallery

1932 Packard Light Eight Coupe Roadster - RM Sotheby's photo
Early, classical American shovel nose styling.

1934 Peugeot 301 Cabriolet
Peugeot's 1934 version was much more restrained.

1934 Chenard et Walcker Aiglon Berline - for sale photo
A more aggressive interpretation.

1934 Delahaye 134 Berline by Sical - for sale photo
Another restrained design.

1935 Unic Cabriolet at the 1934 Paris auto show
Another strong shovel nose.  These were seen at the Salon de l'Automobile and in advertising, but 1936 Unics and perhaps some '35s had conventional grilles.