Chapron Super Eight 'Yacht'

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As the inventor of the famous swimsuit for which he registered the Bikini trademark in 1946, Louis Réard shortly after conceived an advertising vehicle intended to travel across France and Europe, which would be the link between the beach, a symbol of freedom and the automobile, essential for its promotion in the most remote locations. And this is how the yacht car was born, with its creation entrusted to the famous coachbuilder Henri Chapron. Initially intended to be based on an Hotchkiss chassis, it ended up being fitted on a more suitable 1937 Packard Super Eight chassis, with its powerful 8 cylinders and in order to move the imposing bodywork.

It was even christened by naval tradition on October 1st, 1948 and participated at a French concours of elegance the following year. After that, it could be seen during the Tour de France crossing the country and at various beaches. There were multiple attempts from people to buy the car since the 60s but its past two owners declined all of them. The car was once shown at Rétromobile 1987 and didn't resurface until now when it has been put up for sale. It does require a full service, though.