The Chenard & Walcker factory, based in Asnières, started with tricycles and two- and four-cylinder light cars until it was forced to close its doors in 1907. Promptly resurrected under the name of Société Anonyme des Anciens Etablissements Chenard et Walcker in new premises in Gennevilliers, the firm presented two new models in 1908, a 14/16hp (3020cc) and a 30/40hp (5881cc). In 1912 they offered five different cars, from 7/9 hp ( 1592cc) to 20 hp (5881cc). More cars were presented the following year based on these engines and a new six-cylinder 20 hp (4523cc) appeared. After the war, the factory resumed production with the 14 hp (3015cc) which remained in production for several years. It was followed in 1920 by a 12 hp (2650cc) and in 1921 by a l0 hp. In 1922 came the famous "3 litre" with a 2978cc engine. The ohc 2-litre, also of 1922, was the winner of the very first Le Mans 24 Hours Race in 1923, and 1924 saw the 22hp straight-eight of 3945cc. In 1925 Chenard and Walcker launched a small 1095cc four-cylinder sports car with the much-admired streamlined "tank" body, capable of 150 kph (94 mph) unsupercharged and 170 kph (106 mph) supercharged. Chenard & Walcker followed this with some medium cars of 1286cc and 1495cc. At the end of the 1930s Chenard & Walcker were struggling desperately to survive with the front-wheel-drive `Aigle' with Citroën four-cylinder or Ford V8 engines. They also made some rear-wheel-driven cars with Citroën engines. Though taken over in 1946 by Peugeot, Chenard remained independent for the next few years, producing light vans. ©VEA
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