The 1975 Amanda City Car prototype stands as a testament to the creativity and determination of Pierre Colleu, a young designer from the School of Applied Arts in Paris in 1967/1968. Originally collaborating with engineer Charles Cusson, a visionary who sought to build a composite sports car powered by an R8 Gordini engine. Mr. Cusson entrusted Colleu with the styling for the project, however, Colleu was inspired to take over the project himself after Cusson’s financial struggles halted development. Starting with a scaled plexiglass model, Colleu meticulously evolved the car’s design from 1972 to 1973 in a small garage in Romainville, crafting a distinctive vehicle that combined innovative engineering with a striking aesthetic. The Amanda was originally designed with small Austin wheels at the front and larger R8 Gordini wheels at the back. Powered by a reconditioned 981cc DKW three-cylinder, two-stroke engine and equipped with a Trabant four-speed gearbox, the Amanda featured a custom aluminum clutch bell to integrate the powertrain. Colleu went to great lengths to shape the body, creating a full-size plaster model that was later used to mold the bodywork in polyester. In 1974, Colleu joined forces with designer Jean-Paul Barray, who helped accelerate the project, securing materials like flexible polyester resin from Péchiney. This allowed for the car’s unique design elements, including Plexiglas gullwing doors. The completed Amanda was showcased at the SITEV trade show in Geneva in 1975, capturing attention for its avant-garde style. Although the Amanda never entered full production, it was featured in the film ‘En verre et contre tous’, where multiple bodies were cast for filming. While the Amanda’s initial journey ultimately ended in the late 1970s, the prototype remains a fascinating chapter in automotive design history in the hands of @clement_cividino_pro!
How many made? 1 original car (potentially up to 7 bodies created for the film ‘En verre et contre tous’)
Engine: 981cc DKW three-cylinder
Debut: SITEV trade show Geneva, 1975
Top Speed: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Photo Credit: @clement_cividino_pro
Research: @rarecarsonly
1975 Amanda City Car
05.11.2024
Pierre Colleu