Registration No: TXS 318
Chassis No: 32122
MOT: February 2024

• Very rare UK-supplied, right-hand drive Hotchkiss 615
• Formerly part of a private collection and off the road for some 25 years
• Acquired by the vendor last year and subsequently recommissioned
• Offered with a history file including an older buff style logbook

French luxury car manufacturer Hotchkiss underwent a restructuring of its model offerings following the AM models, which were replaced by a new range in 1933. The 411 was an 11CV model with a four-cylinder engine, the 413 a 13CV four and the 615, 617, and 620 were similar six-cylinder types. The 615 was offered in 2-door sports saloon, 4-door sports saloon, 2-seater fixed-head coupé, cabriolet, 7-seater saloon, and limousine guises, all displaying streamlined body designs. Described by ‘Autocar’ as ‘outstandingly good’, they had a loyal following in period.

The sale car was manufactured new in 1934 and is a rare right-hand-drive example that was supplied new to the United Kingdom, being registered new in March 1934. Pleasingly retaining its factory supplied coachwork, the four-door saloon has many similarities to Detroit offerings of the time, especially with the rear American influenced design. Fitted with a 2.5-litre six-cylinder engine allied to a four-speed manual transmission, the Hotchkiss is an older restored example. Previously residing in a private collection, in which it is believed to have spent some forty years, the last twenty-five of those were off the road. Passing through one subsequent owner, the vendor acquired the 615 last year requiring recommissioning.

Subject to much recommissioning, the work completed included professional stitching of the engine block; full re-wiring with alternator, electronic ignition, coil, leads, rotor and plugs; speedometer reconditioned; carburettors refurbished with new jets; and a new battery. Starting readily during our photography session, the vendor does note that there is a slight noise from the gearbox. ‘TXS 318’ is offered with a history file that includes a ‘buff’ logbook (VE60), an original owner’s manual, previous logbooks, MOTs and invoices, technical diagrams and literature, and a current V5C document. Supplied with a no advisory MOT certificate until February 2024, the Hotchkiss is a very rare, interesting and attractive ‘30s saloon.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452