Hotchkiss Grégoire
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Automobiles |
The Grégoire is a high-end automobile manufactured between 1950 and 1954 by the French company Hotchkiss. Production was limited to approximately 247 units, with serial numbers ranging from 500 to 747.
Designed as a contemporary four-door sedan, this model was intended to rejuvenate Hotchkiss's vehicle range. To enhance market appeal, unique coachbuilt coupé and cabriolet variants were unveiled at the 1952 Paris Motor Show. Among these was a sleek coupé featuring a distinctive 'panoramic' rear window, crafted by the renowned coachbuilder Henri Chapron.
The Grégoire signified a major design shift, reflecting the innovative vision of its namesake designer, Jean-Albert Grégoire, who was recognized for his expertise in front-wheel-drive systems and pioneering use of aluminium during wartime. Capitalizing on advancements in postwar aluminium manufacturing, the car incorporated a lightweight frame with extensive aluminium components. It was equipped with a newly developed 2180 cc water-cooled flat-four boxer engine producing an initial output of 70 HP, which was increased to 75 HP by 1952. The flat engine configuration allowed for a low hood profile but was mounted far forward, resulting in an extended front overhang. Power delivery came through a four-speed manual gearbox featuring synchromesh on three gears and an overdrive on the fourth.
Despite its engineering sophistication, the Grégoire faced commercial challenges due to Hotchkiss's traditional brand reputation and the high development expenses spread over limited production volumes. This led to a premium price point—by 1952, it cost twice as much as the comparable six-cylinder Citroën Traction Avant. Furthermore, French taxation policies of the early 1950s imposed heavy levies on larger vehicles. At the 1952 Paris Motor Show, Hotchkiss's modest promotional efforts stood in stark contrast to more aggressive marketing by competitors, highlighting financial limitations. Production sharply decreased in 1953, with only about 40 units manufactured that year. When production ceased late in 1953, total manufacturing reached just 247 cars—235 of which were four-door sedans.
References
- This entry is based on the Italian Wikipedia article on the same car.