Here's Google's tranlation of the text that accompanied the picture where I found it:
"Only fly in the ointment: how a small car as intelligent, as simple as the 4CV had she not received a dressing itself: something stylish but elegant enough to enhance the resources of 750cc. Cannes, August 1952: Lepeytre Mestivier and, on vacation, attending a competition delegator. They discovered a marvel, a Lancia performed by Segre and Boano, bodybuilders at Ghia in Turin. At Salon 1952, puts the chance Stnd Autobleu stand above the Ghia. The two French technicians expressed their desire to Italian designers: a dress with a body 4CV say "Special". The artists are so convinced they leave Turin with a 4CV used to study the odds. Lepeytre Mestivier and shall forward the platform and mechanics and after a final trip to Turin to finalize details, the prototype was delivered in May 1953 to the curiosity of the Renault and journalists. Moved no doubt by the enthusiasm, the direction of the authority proposes to Autobleu its sales channels. Only problem, but size, how to build future cars? Two models were presented at the Salon 1953, made using components produced in Italy. This was unfortunately not the solution. Assemble prefabricated elements, assemble them and then provide the finishing, painting, upholstery, this was only possible if we had in place of these elements. The conventional drawing was too expensive for the modest aspirations of Autobleu: 1 car per day.
Lepeytre Mestivier and then began in connection with one of their friends, Francis Guerin, who coachbuilder by trade, had the immense advantage of having a workshop in Clamart. Francis Guerin agrees and promises enthusiastic "in three months the equipment will be ready." Through the use of a synthetic resin, the rézolin, Guerin had the tools to make drawing. The process was very simple. We took the prototype on a footprint in which plaster is then poured another plaster. The latter model is capped with a steel container and there poured synthetic resin. Then followed a passage in the oven, and after the plaster mold, the matrix of the tool was performed and the coast. But he still needed to equip themselves with all mixers, ovens and presses required, and all this with limited financial means. The months passed and the result wasn't brilliant. If the construction period stretched desperately, every accessory, the radiator cap with wiper accounted for about a year of research and discussions with inductriels ... In short, the cars came out in dribs and drabs, they were expensive, delivery time and impressive finish was not what customers were entitled to expect.
Lepeytre Mestivier and changed their policy in early 1956. Do keep in Clamart as tooling, they turned to a well equipped body shop and assisted by a skilled and qualified workforce nombeuse Henri Chapron. Sheet metal workers, ferreurs, saddlers, painters, were there, the tooling assembly and assembly was delivered to Chapron. The big day had finally arrived: it was now possible to calculate the net cost price! Then everything became easier. Sixty cars were delivered. Renault offered to ensure exportation of Autobleu. We even met in Madrid, Caracas, Tunis, etc ... That's what Lepeytre and Mestivier reported at the time: "The battle is won. The cars leave in accordance with our desires. All the experts are unanimous in recognizing the qualities of that original creation. Finally, we want a success that is the extent of our efforts and is a good card for advertising Autobleu. "Frankly, they deserved and that optimism was not usurped.
Maybe, deep down, that these new Autobleu had one flaw: the price was perhaps a little too calculated narrowly ... and the situation did not allow the continuation of the experiment, but a hundred Autobleu had emerged, and Lepeytre Mestivier and had demonstrated their determination and the car's qualities. Both partners devoted their energies to the pipes, especially since the fall of exports deuis Renault USA, the production rate had declined in a manner well known. With the birth of Dauphine Autobleu provides the equipment of the 1093 that are no longer counted at the time, wins. Lepeytre estivier and made the acquaintance of the famous Italian Carlo Abarth preparer who wanted to expand its sales network in France. All three fall agreed to undertake in the garage Parisian licensed construction manifolds and exhaust pipes. But soon, the company Autobleu, perhaps for reasons to justify its name, this experience gave to devote himself exclusively to do their own tubing.
Licensed suppliers of Renault, the two men tried to broaden their scope in addressing autyres French models, including Simca Aronde, the 203 and 403. In addition, Renault entrusted them making manifolds for ... tractors. They worked there for 3 years at a rate of 3,000 pieces per month. Even the Navy, through a shipyard, requested their talent to the processing of car engines in marine engines: the Autobleu-Marine with 356 copies were sold before the bankruptcy of the shipyard.
Not surprisingly, Lepeytre Mestivier and were entitled to be disappointed with the turn took their activity. This work, to be quite lucrative, were no less tiresome, especially for researchers eager to technical progress. The appearance of the Renault 8 Gordini 1100 and 1300 allowed them once again to touch the competition. Until 1971, more than 200,000 tubes for R8 Gordini and Alpine that will be sold. Never had as many kits earned their name. Each kit available to the client contained all piècesnécessaires processing. Manifolds, carburettor, air filter of course, but also all the necessary accessories required for installation: bolts, gaskets, controls, without forgetting the instructions.
Finally, it is also worth noting qu'Autobleu also focused on aerodynamic problems in competition. The car below (the picture in my puzzell - Otto), equipped with a mechanical 4CV amended and aluminum bodywork, performed prodigies in Montlhéry turning over 170km / h average. She almost even win the Mille Miglia 1955."
