Amilcar was founded by Andre Morel and engineer Edmond Moyet to build cyclecars with sufficient performance for Morel to realise his dream of competition success.

Emile Akar, a Paris businessman, and Joseph Lamy, an executive at cyclecar maker Le Zebre, backed Morel's and Moyet's prototype, which was enthusiastically received.

Powered by a diminutive 904cc four-cylinder sidevalve engine, Amilcar's first model, the CC, commenced production in 1921.

The CC was praised for its excellent, responsive handling and adequate power, attracting a large and loyal following and setting the pattern for future models.

It also provided Morel with his desired competition success when he became the 1100cc Class champion of France in 1922.

Within a couple of years Amilcar found itself at a disadvantage to Salmson, whose new twin-overhead-camshaft four was considerably more powerful, and responded with a twin-cam six.

First seen in 1925 and universally admired for their low build and light weight, ...