Topic: Solved NIC#672 - 1932 Mathis Speedster built by Durant Motors

[nicanary]

Please tell me the year and marque, and what connection this has with a completely different car manufacturer.

[nicanary]

Experts?

[nicanary]

Pros?

[oko94]

Made in Europe ?

[ropat53]

1932 Mathis Boat-Tail Speedster

"This running and driving example is believed to be one of the 5 prototype cars produced by Billy Durant in Michigan, in co-operation with the Mathis Company of France. This would account for the Mathis engine’s resemblance to a Durant motor. Durant ran out of funding before actual production began and thus, only 5 prototypes were produced before the plant closed, and this example is the only boat-tail version ever built. Al Webster has not restored this automobile in order to preserve its originality and authenticity. A file of documentation is included with the sale of this Speedster."

[nicanary]

1932 Mathis Boat-Tail Speedster

"This running and driving example is believed to be one of the 5 prototype cars produced by Billy Durant in Michigan, in co-operation with the Mathis Company of France. This would account for the Mathis engine’s resemblance to a Durant motor. Durant ran out of funding before actual production began and thus, only 5 prototypes were produced before the plant closed, and this example is the only boat-tail version ever built. Al Webster has not restored this automobile in order to preserve its originality and authenticity. A file of documentation is included with the sale of this Speedster."

Sorry oko94, it's sort of European, but not. The above is the answer. It seems a strange decision of Durant to enter into co-operation of this kind, but maybe they thought there would be a market for smaller cars immediately after the worst of the Depression. The bodywork does not look like a projected production car IMHO, and I think there's a chance it was added by someone who got hold of a bare chassis.