Hotchkiss 686

Hotchkiss 686

The French Hotchkiss factory is more commonly known for the production of machine guns, but they produced interesting motorcars as well. Production started in 1903 already, but the factory never managed to get properly going after the second World War. The badge of the car consisted of two crossed gun barrels.

The pre-war 4-cylinder 486 was continued after the war, but production only restarted in 1948. In 1946 they launched a new model, with a 3.5 liter six engine, which was the 686. For unclear reasons, the 486 was renamed 864 and in 1949 both versions were upgraded and got the extension S49. At that time the live front axle was replaced by an independent system, the last French manufacturer to do so. (not counting the Bugatti efforts with the type 101).

The car was quite successful, and very strong. In 1949 and 1950 a type 686 won the Monte Carlo Rallye, but production ceased in 1950 when both models were replaced by the Anjou. Of the 486/864 finally just over 2500 examples were produced, while the six cylinder made it close to 600. Various body styles were available and shown here is a 686 Modane 2-door version that participated in the 2005 Tour Auto.