1926 Amilcar Series E Special

The Amilcar marque is one that is associated with sporting prewars, and often times small, low, short chassis race cars. While this is true, the series E is a larger model, with a relatively long chassis and propelled by a larger four cylinder engine mated to a four speed gearbox.  

The history of this particular series E was outlined by Tim Shellshear, and featured in the VSCCA of Australia’s club publication. It was delivered new to Australia, and originally sold to Miss Evelyn Scarfe, of Adelaide. Miss Scarfe descended from the Harris Scarfe cloth family, and it was the family had the special coachwork constructed for the car. This included the distinctive radiator cowl shown, known as an Eldridge Cowl, developed for racing at tracks such as Brooklands.  

Miss Scarfe later sold the car to an unidentified buyer, who had the engine reconditioned. Unfortunately following the reconditioning, a gudgeon pin came loose, jamming up and cracking the block. The block was deemed unrepairable at the time, and a four-cylinder Dodge engine was fitted into the chassis.  

Later, this series E was spotted in Rundle Street, East Adelaide Australia by well known Amilcar collector Max Foale. The Eldridge cowl had been removed, while the Dodge engine remained in place. Upon being purchase by Mr. Foale, he replaced it with a specially prepared Essex Four engine and gearbox. While Mr. Foale retained the car for several years, it was eventually sold to fund another project. It was next purchased by the Mr. Murray Mitchell, where it was reunited with a proper series E engine and transmission. The car was later sold to a Mr. Charapar an American working in Australia. It is said that under his ownership the car was eventually imported into the Unites States, but may have also been in England briefly. 

It currently wears a handsome boat tail body, with pictures in the file of the body in bare metal during its restoration. It features staggered seating, with nicely done black upholstery. The interior is lined with the same fabric and nicely done pockets. The dash is fitted with period gauges, ducellier switch gear for ignition and lighting, as well as an 8-day clock and period retractable cigar lighter.         

It has been in its current collection for approximately 25 years, and been driven sparingly. For the last five years, it’s been hidden in heated storage with other English prewars. However, the car recently underwent approximately $10,000 of mechanical work. This included “waking it up” from sitting, as well as safety improvements. Perhaps best described as a light project, the list consisting of installing tail lights, replacing the front right spring, and minor dialing in, such as hooking up speedometer and tachometer.  

This Type E runs nicely off of its vacuum tank, and is quite fun to drive. This is a very exciting opportunity for a very distinctive French prewar! 

*Included in the sale are two ducellier of Paris head lights, with buckets painted body color, as well as a full tonneau cover.   

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