Maison Pline
23
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HOTCHKISS-GRÉGOIRE, JAG Saloon, 1952
See original version (French)
23
-
HOTCHKISS-GRÉGOIRE, JAG Saloon, 1952
See original version (French)
Estimate €4,000 - €8,000
Voluntary lot
Description
HOTCHKISS-GRÉGOIRE, JAG Saloon, 1952
A rare four-door saloon with an aerodynamic body, in anthracite.
A model designed under the supervision of engineer Jean-Albert Grégoire, characterised by a design that was particularly innovative for its time: a structure making extensive use of aluminium, a 2,188 cm³ flat-four engine, front-wheel drive and independent suspension on all four wheels.
The bodywork features streamlined lines, integrated front wings, partially fairing-covered rear wheels, a large rear window and chrome trim. A vertical chrome grille bears the Hotchkiss emblem. It also bears the ‘HOTCHKISS GRÉGOIRE’ monogram.
Unveiled in its final form at the 1950 Paris Motor Show and then launched in 1951, the Hotchkiss-Grégoire was produced in very limited numbers. The Hotchkiss Club lists 247 cars,
Aluminium bodywork: Anthracite, four-door, red wheel rims
Interior: orange and wood
Registration: 423 FM 83
Mileage: 81,513 km (not guaranteed)
Chassis/engine no.: 598
Fuel: Petrol
Power: 13 cv
MOT: No
First registered: 1952
Date of acquisition by the seller: N/A
An iconic model by Jean-Albert Grégoire, produced in very limited numbers.
Visible wear, dirt, scratches and signs of rust. Damage and signs of wear to the paintwork, chrome and trim. The condition of the tyres, seals, mechanical and electrical components, the braking system and safety features requires checking.
Not the original steering wheel, but an additional HOTCHKISS steering wheel will be provided to the buyer, along with a HOTCHKISS key ring,
The vehicle has been off the road for a long period and has not been run in by the auction house. Mechanical condition and operation have not been checked. The operation of the engine, gearbox, electrical, fuel and cooling systems, as well as the braking system, is not guaranteed. A general overhaul and recommissioning must be carried out before any use.
Sold as is.
Text from the President of the Hotchkiss Club, to whom we extend our thanks:
A rare Hotchkiss Grégoire, the 98th example produced out of a total production run of 247 vehicles.
Delivered new by Établissements Pommier, a Hotchkiss dealer in Paris, this car was likely used there until the 1960s.
This Hotchkiss Grégoire is in a fair state of preservation, showing clear signs of use but providing an interesting starting point for a restoration project.
Bodywork and exterior features
Its anthracite grey metallic colour does not appear in the original Hotchkiss colour chart. The vehicle would therefore have undergone a complete repaint, probably in the 1960s, in a colour consistent with that period.
The bodywork appears sound overall. The paintwork will, however, require a complete overhaul, particularly due to blistering on the bonnet and scuff marks on the front right wing.
The grille and front bumper are in good condition. Additional indicators have been fitted, presumably in the 1960s, by drilling holes in the front bumper end pieces, which has altered the original appearance somewhat.
At the rear, additional orange indicators have also been fitted by drilling holes in both wings.
The rear bumper has been modified using parts from a Peugeot 203. It is slightly dented and its end pieces are missing.
The front doors have noticeable vertical play, particularly the driver’s door, but also the passenger’s. This fault, which is known to occur on some Hotchkiss cars that have been exposed to damp, will require the door pillars to be reworked and the doors adjusted to ensure they close correctly and securely.
The rear doors do not exhibit this fault.
Interior and upholstery
The interior is in a fair state of preservation.
The front and rear seats have been covered with brown imitation leather covers, probably fitted in the 1960s. These covers, whilst well-preserved, differ from the original design.
The interior fittings, including handles, cranks and levers, are complete and in good overall condition.
The dashboard, made of sheet metal painted to imitate wood, is in satisfactory condition, except for the right-hand side, where the paint is heavily flaked.
Some of the original pull-cords and controls have been replaced with substitutes, presumably during the 1960s.
The original three-spoke steering wheel has been replaced with a more ordinary model, possibly from a Peugeot 203.
The original steering wheels fitted to the Hotchkiss Anjou and Grégoire models, which are particularly slender and amber in colour, are known for their fragility and their tendency to deteriorate over time.
The same applies to the gear lever knob and the air vent control knob, which may prove difficult to replace with parts true to the original.
Engine bay and mechanical components
The engine bay looks in good condition and appears to be complete.
There are three large chrome-plated horns, probably fitted in the 1960s.
The vehicle is fitted with 16-inch aluminium wheels, a configuration that makes it particularly difficult to fit suitable Michelin X tyres.
Comments on the restoration
This Hotchkiss Grégoire presents an interesting restoration project due to its general state of preservation and the fact that it is almost complete.
Restoring it will, however, require work on the bodywork, upholstery and mechanical components, as well as sourcing certain parts specific to this model.
To facilitate access to the mechanical components, it is recommended that the front bodywork assembly – comprising the bumper, front fascia and wings, which is designed as a removable unit – be removed.
This operation provides considerably easier access to the various mechanical components and, if necessary, allows the powertrain to be removed.
Particular attention should be paid to the clutch, which may have seized or become stuck after a long period of inactivity. It is advisable to check it, or even replace it as a preventative or corrective measure.
In conclusion, this rare Hotchkiss Grégoire, of which very few were ever produced, represents an interesting opportunity for a collector wishing to undertake the restoration of an iconic and technically unique model of post-war French motoring.
Vehicle in need of restoration. Mechanical condition and operability not guaranteed, subject to checks and tests carried out prior to sale.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale
Provençale COLLECTION – Classic cars
Auction location
Auction time
10/18/2026 at 2:00 PM
Lot description modified on 10/09/2026 at 6:21 PM
Pictures credits:
Morgan Lecomte
See original version (French)
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