Thursday, February 3, 2022

Saoutchik Early Designs

French carrosserie J.Saoutchik, Wikipedia entry here, was in business 1906-1955.  The firm was amongst the most successful French coachbuilders because of the high quality of its craftsmanship and to some extent for its style.

That style evolved from being a little more flashy than the norm to becoming provocatively outrageous following World War 2.  The present post presents a few examples of Saoutchik's work in the interwar and early postwar years.

Gallery

1949c. Delahaye 175 by Saoutchik with Diana Dors
When I think Saoutchik, this is the kind of styling that comes to mind: elaborate curves, swathes of chrome accents and, not seen here, elaborate two-tone paint schemes.

1926 Hotchkiss AM2 Roadster by Saoutchik - Bonhams photo
This 1926 example seems fairly conventional for its time.

1928 Mercedes-Benz 630 K "La Baule" Torpedo Transformable by Soutchik - Bonhams
Now we see some dramatic two-toning and plenty of chrome accents.

1930 Bucciali TAV 30 La Marie Torpédo Sport Type Cannes by Saoutchik - Bonhams
Buccialis are known for being low and dramatic.   The chrome strip extending downward and forward from the cowling is similar to that on the Mercedes in the previous image.

1931 Bucciali TAV-16 by Saoutchik - Salon de l'Automobile Paris
Perhaps the most extreme Saoutchik design for Bucciali.

1935 Merceds-Benz 500 K Cabriollet by Saoutchik - Bonhams
Saoutchik touches include the unusual spare tire holder and the two-tone paint scheme.

1938 Graham Cabriolet by Saoutchik - RM Southeby's photo
The front and fenders are essentially stock Graham, and the overall design is in line with French coachbuilding practice at the time.

1948 Talbot-Lago T26 Record Sport by Saoutchik - auction photo
A postwar design that's restrained-Saoutchik.  It does have unusual two-toning and a chrome swath rock guard on the rear fender area.

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