Does anyone know anything about a Chenard et Walcker van?
Last week Commercial Motor’s operations editor Colin Barnett was walking past a small backstreet model shop in Aberystwyth, when he noticed something of interest in the window.
“My attention was grabbed by an unusual model van shouting ‘buy me!!’” he says. Being an avid model collector that’s exactly what he did – for the bargain price of £5.
“I bought it but have to admit to never having heard of Chenard et Walcker as a van maker, although I believe one of their cars won the first Le Mans 24 Hours race. All I know is that they were taken over by Peugeot some time after the Second War. Does anyone know anything else?” he asks.
Personally I reckon it was a much better purchase than Colin’s last van investment!
Comments (2)
Will, you're right, C et W was bought out by Peugeot in the immediate post-war period. The company carried on into the 1950s making light vans only - quite a departure from the 'voitures aerodynamiques' with which they originally made their name (it's a marvellous thing google.fr!)
Nice looking van, though can't say I've ever seen one over here in France.
Posted by Craig S | January 17, 2008 9:57 AM
Posted on January 17, 2008 09:57
Craig,
You are quite right!!
C+W went bankrupt in 1936, and were bought by Carrossierie Chauson, who were already bodying a number of their chassis.
They just survived through the Second World War, but finally were sold to Peugeot in 1946,with the last vehicle bearing their name being manufactured in 1950,
Posted by eddie parker | January 17, 2008 4:11 PM
Posted on January 17, 2008 16:11