Atla (automobile)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1957 in Garches, France |
| Founder | Jacques Durand |
| Defunct | 1959 |
| Headquarters | Garches , France |
| Products | Automobiles (Atla Renault, Atla Panhard) |
The Atla represents a French automobile manufactured between 1957 and 1959 in the town of Garches, situated near Paris.
Background and development
The Atla originated from the vision of Jacques Durand, who served as both lead designer and assistant engineer. Durand initially specialized in crafting small-displacement engines designed for motorized toys, later adapting these powertrains for use in scale-model sports vehicles such as the Jaguar D-Type and Mercedes-Benz 300SL. In 1957, after gaining experience with fibreglass bodywork at Chappe et Gessalin, he proceeded to design a full-scale automobile, which he named the Atla.
The prototype was developed within Durand’s family cellar workshop located in Antony, where molds for the fibreglass body and the initial chassis were fabricated. The compact berlinette shape reflected Durand’s earlier designs, featuring a front end reminiscent of the D-Type and distinctive "portes papillon" (gull-wing doors) that echoed the style of the 300SL.
Charles Cusson was responsible for engineering the chassis, constructing a lightweight tubular steel space-frame weighing approximately . Financial investment and sales assistance were provided by Jean Schwab, a Renault dealer based in Garches. Schwab also supplied components and appointed Robert Jonet to oversee assembly operations. Utilizing his connections within motorsport, Schwab helped secure media coverage, including a prominent feature on the cover of "l'Automobile" magazine in July 1958. Insights gained from these reviews led to further refinements prior to commencing production.
To support full production capacity, manufacturing activities were moved from Antony to Garches.
Atla Renault
The Atla utilized Renault’s Billancourt engine, positioned behind the rear axle in a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration. Customers could purchase the vehicle either as a kit or as a fully assembled car. Two kit variants were offered: a basic package containing only the bare body shell and chassis priced at 250,000 Francs, and a more comprehensive kit that included a painted body, upholstered interior, door handles, wiring harness, and fuel tank for 650,000 Francs.
Fully assembled Atlases were available in four configurations: two standard models alongside two competition-oriented versions. The Type 750 was equipped with a Renault 4CV engine delivering , paired with a 3-speed manual transaxle. The Type 850 featured an Renault Dauphine engine producing , also mated to a 3-speed manual transaxle. The weight of the 750 model was , while the 850 was marginally heavier.
Competition variants included the Monza (also known as Rally), which housed a tuned 750 cc engine coupled with a 4-speed manual transaxle, and the Sebring equipped with an 850 cc engine and 4-speed manual gearbox; an optional 5-speed transmission was available. Engines tuned by Autobleu incorporated Solex 32mm carburetors, performance camshafts, enlarged valves, modified cylinder heads, and custom exhaust systems, elevating power output to for the 750 and up to for the 850. These competition editions weighed slightly more than their standard counterparts.
Atla Panhard
There is evidence that at least one Atla was fitted with bodywork combined with an air-cooled boxer-twin engine and transaxle sourced from a Panhard Dyna Z, arranged in a front-engine, front-wheel-drive configuration. The exact quantity produced and origins of this Atla Panhard variant remain uncertain.
Some accounts indicate that the Panhard drivetrain was offered as an official factory option with six units assembled at an additional facility in Malakoff, Hauts-de-Seine. Alternative reports suggest only a single example was created upon special customer request or that it was constructed externally using an Atla body mounted on a different chassis. One Atla Panhard was reportedly kept in the United States for several years before being repatriated to France.
Release to end of production
The prototype reached completion in 1957, with manufacturing commencing the following year. The Type 750 was offered at a price of 860,000 Francs, while the Type 850 was set at 950,000 Francs. When compared to contemporaneous models such as the Renault 4CV (419,000 Francs), Dauphine (574,000 Francs), and Frégate (929,000 Francs), the Atla maintained a competitive market position.
After approximately 20 vehicles were produced, the manufacturer reevaluated expenses and significantly increased the price to 1,000,000 Francs. This price adjustment led to a cessation of orders and had a detrimental effect on the company's financial stability. Production ceased shortly thereafter, lasting just over one year in total, with fewer than thirty cars manufactured.
Following the shutdown of Atla, Jacques Durand went on to design multiple other automobiles, including the Sera, and subsequently collaborated with Cusson on another short-lived venture named ALPA.
Atla in motorsports
An Atla was featured in the 1959 short film "Au Rallye de Genève."
Additionally, an Atla-Renault competed across several seasons within Swedish motorsport events.
External links
- (In French)