Hotchkiss 686 Grand Sport
The Hotchkiss 686 Grand Sport represents the pinnacle of pre-war French luxury motoring. Hotchkiss, originally an American arms manufacturer that relocated to France, became one of the country's most prestigious automobile makers in the inter-war period. The 686 series, powered by a smooth 3.5-liter inline-six engine, combined sporting ability with refined luxury in a way that few contemporaries could match.
The Grand Sport variant was the performance flagship of the 686 range, featuring a higher-compression engine with twin Solex carburetors, producing 125 horsepower. This was mated to either a conventional manual gearbox or the innovative Cotal electromagnetic pre-selector transmission, which allowed drivers to pre-select the next gear and engage it with a simple flick of a switch — revolutionary technology for the 1930s.
Hotchkiss's competition success was remarkable. The 686 won the Monte Carlo Rally an extraordinary six times, establishing the brand's reputation for reliability and speed. The car was equally at home as a comfortable long-distance tourer or a competitive rally machine.
The term 'Hotchkiss drive' — used universally to describe a live rear axle located by leaf springs — was actually coined because Hotchkiss was one of the first manufacturers to use this configuration instead of the then-common chain drive. This engineering contribution to automotive terminology outlasted the brand itself, which ceased car production in 1954.
Pre-war and immediate post-war cars require specialist assessment. Mechanical components are robust but spares require specialist sourcing — join the Hotchkiss et Cie Club. The Cotal electromagnetic gearbox is complex but can be rebuilt by specialists. Body condition varies enormously — many have been restored multiple times. Check for correct engine and drivetrain matching. Monte Carlo Rally provenance or Concours history adds significant value. Post-war 686 models are more readily available than pre-war examples.
Built by Hotchkiss et Cie at their factory in Saint-Denis, Paris. The 686 series was produced from 1936 until 1952, interrupted by World War II. Won the Monte Carlo Rally six times (1932, 1933, 1934, 1939, 1949, 1950). The 'Hotchkiss drive' rear suspension term was coined from their engineering. Production resumed after WWII with updated versions until the company merged with Delahaye in 1954.