1931 Mathis PY 7CV

Originally, Émile Mathis was a leading car dealer in Strasbourg, Alsace, handling Fiat, De Dietrich and Panhard-Levassor, among other makes from his Auto-Mathis-Palace. Two models were designed for him by the young Ettore Bugatti, and they were marketed under the brand Hermes (1904–1905). Current for 1905-06, it was built in 28, 40, and 98 hp forms, all being Mercedes-like cars with chain drives. Designer and racing driver, Dragutin Esser, then created two cars of 2025 cc and 2253 cc which were built under license from Stoewer.

The first "true" Mathis model (8/20 PS) was put on the market in 1910, however, the first real success came just before World War I with two smaller models: 'Babylette' had a 1.1 L engine and 'Baby' had a 1.3 L engine. There was also a Mathis-Knight model.

During World War I, Mathis was sent by the German government (Alsace was then part of Germany) to Switzerland to buy tyres and after one of these trips he went to France and remained there. After the war, Alsace became part of France and he was able to return to his factory.

After the war, the firm's production increased quickly and soon became No.4 in France making more than 20,000 cars in 1927 with Citroën being the main competition The SB model of 1921 was followed by a six-cylinder model (1188 cc) in 1923 and an eight-cylinder in 1925. From 1927, Mathis followed a one-model policy. MY has side-valve four-cylinder engine (1.2 L). Not surprisingly, the next year saw the 'Emysix', with a 2288 cc six-cylinder.

The 7hp engine type "PYC" is differentiated by its bore, increased to 69.85mm and the displacement of up to 1226cc, a single disc working dry clutch and three-speed gearbox. The "PY" has a wheelbase of 2.4m and width of 1.2m. Hydraulic brakes were optional and the wheels are shod with 10x48 or 11x45 tires. Different bodies were available in the form of a Roadster and Cabriolet, along with standard and luxury Coupés and Saloons.

This rare Mathis PY 7cv was discovered by our vendor in 2014, laid up in its homeland France where it has been for the entirety of its life. It was one of three vehicles that he purchased from an extended private collection from a Chateau in Northern France. We are told it has been in single ownership from new and the story of this Mathis is a particularly interesting one as it was hidden from the Germans during the Second World War and has been sat on blocks ever since.

This Mathis appears to be very authentic and it's extremely rare to find in such preserved condition. On initial inspection, it appears to have no substantial rust with the only deterioration being age related. There does not appear to be any history with the car other than a wonderful period photograph showing it in its former glory.

A very good basis for a rewarding restoration, this Mathis has been preserved impressively throughout its storage period - and the 74-year-old dust will come with it.