The Enduring Elegance of the Mathis EMY 8: A Rare French Masterpiece Takes Center Stage
PONTARLIER, FRANCE – In the annals of automotive history, certain vehicles transcend mere transportation to become living testaments to an era’s ambition, innovation, and artistry. Such is the case with an exceptional Mathis EMY 8, delivered in the summer of 1934 to a prominent dental surgeon in Pontarlier. Clothed in bespoke coachwork by the esteemed Georges Gangloff, this magnificent automobile is far more than a vintage car; it is a profound symbol of Emile Mathis’s audacious vision, a testament to a period when French engineering vied for global supremacy, and a "diva" that continues to captivate nearly a century after its creation.
This rare four-seater cabriolet, one of only six known EMY 8s to survive, offers a unique window into the golden age of French luxury motoring, a time marked by both profound economic challenges and extraordinary technological leaps. Its very existence, and the meticulous story of its life and restoration, underscore the resilience of passion and craftsmanship in the face of history’s tides.
Main Facts: A Glimpse into Automotive Grandeur
The Mathis EMY 8, the subject of this feature, represents the zenith of Emile Mathis’s ambition to compete with the most prestigious automotive marques of its day. Delivered on July 11, 1934, to Maurice Cordier, a 36-year-old dental surgeon and dedicated civic leader from Pontarlier, this particular chassis was sent directly to Georges Gangloff of Colmar. Gangloff, renowned for his exquisite coachwork, especially for Bugatti, crafted a unique four-seater cabriolet body that perfectly encapsulated Cordier’s refined taste and Mathis’s grand aspirations.
The EMY 8 was a pinnacle of Mathis engineering, featuring an advanced eight-cylinder engine and pioneering technologies such as four-wheel independent suspension with torsion bars – a first for a French production car – and a freewheel gearbox designed for economy, quiet operation, and reduced mechanical wear. Its design marked a pivotal shift for the Strasbourg-based manufacturer, moving away from more vertical, conventional forms towards sleeker, more aerodynamic profiles that hinted at the future of automotive aesthetics.
Today, this specific EMY 8, with its distinctive inclined and concave grille (a Mathis signature since 1933), stands as a vibrant relic. Its unique bodywork, potentially sketched by Gangloff’s legendary designer Lucien Schlatter, reinforces its patrimonial significance. From its initial two-tone green livery to its current cream and "lie-de-vin" (burgundy) hues, the car has lived a storied existence, surviving wartime requisition, multiple ownership changes, and even a devastating flood, only to be meticulously restored to its former glory by dedicated enthusiasts.
Chronology: The Genesis and Evolution of a Marque and a Masterpiece
The period between 1930 and 1935 is often considered the third and most transformative phase in the history of Mathis automobiles. This era saw Emile Mathis, a formidable entrepreneur, navigating the tumultuous waters of the post-1929 stock market crash while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of automotive design and technology.
The Vision of Emile Mathis: Born in 1880, Emile Mathis was a visionary whose career began at the turn of the 20th century. By the 1920s, Mathis had established itself as France’s fourth-largest automobile manufacturer, a testament to its founder’s relentless drive and engineering acumen. Mathis was known for his innovative spirit, his commitment to performance, and his ambition to offer a diverse range of vehicles, from economical models to luxurious, high-performance machines. He understood that the automotive landscape was evolving rapidly, demanding both efficiency and elegance.
Navigating the Depression: The global economic crisis profoundly impacted the luxury car market, yet Mathis persevered. In 1930, while continuing production of established models like the MY, QM, and EMY 6, Mathis introduced a new generation characterized by more refined, aerodynamic bodywork. This period also saw the brand’s boldest move towards international recognition with the PY 6/7 CV, a car Mathis proudly declared would "astonish America." Alongside this grand ambition, more accessible models like the TY 5 CV and various six-cylinder EMY 4s were offered, catering to a broader market.
The Dawn of the Eight-Cylinder Era: A significant strategic pivot was Mathis’s re-entry into the eight-cylinder market, following an earlier, less successful attempt in 1925. In May 1930, the first new-generation eight-cylinder Mathis emerged, powered by a generous 5.2-liter Continental engine. This powerful unit was mounted on the largest chassis ever produced by the marque, boasting an impressive 3.50-meter wheelbase, signaling Mathis’s serious intent in the luxury segment.
However, Mathis soon transitioned to developing its own "in-house" eight-cylinder engines, designated as Type HY. These engines ingeniously utilized many components from the four-cylinder QY, demonstrating a smart approach to parts commonality and cost-efficiency without compromising performance.
The EMY 8’s Debut: The official unveiling of the first EMY 8, affectionately dubbed "Super-Mathis," took place at the prestigious Paris Salon in October 1931. It was a technological marvel, presented with a singular engine but offering an unprecedented four chassis configurations. These mixed two track widths (1.30m and 1.38m) and four wheelbase lengths, ranging from a sporty 2.75m to a stately 3.35m. This flexibility allowed for a wide array of custom coachwork, catering to the exacting demands of its affluent clientele.
Targeting the Elite: The EMY 8 was explicitly designed for the "very well-heeled," an elite segment of society seeking an alternative to the established luxury brands like Delahaye, Talbot, and Panhard & Levassor. Emile Mathis aimed to offer a French-made vehicle that not only matched but, in some aspects, surpassed its rivals in terms of performance, innovation, and exclusivity.
A Life Unfolding: The Pontarlier EMY 8:
- 1934: Delivered to Maurice Cordier, a discerning dental surgeon from Pontarlier. Cordier, a man of considerable civic pride, was a key figure in regional tourism and heritage, founding the Pontarlier and Haut-Doubs tourist office and instrumental in opening the Château de Joux to the public. His choice of a unique, custom-bodied Mathis reflected his appreciation for distinction and local craftsmanship.
- Coachwork by Gangloff: Cordier’s chassis was sent to Georges Gangloff in Colmar. Gangloff’s reputation was stellar, having bodied nearly half of all Bugattis produced in Molsheim during the 1930s. This association alone placed the Mathis in exalted company. The unique four-seater cabriolet body was a bespoke creation, its flowing lines and elegant proportions perhaps a product of Lucien Schlatter, Gangloff’s chief designer responsible for some of Bugatti’s most iconic forms, including five Type 57 S models. While formal attribution is lacking, the stylistic brilliance suggests such a master’s touch.
- Color Transformation: The car initially sported a sophisticated two-tone green finish, a popular choice of the era, before later being repainted in a striking cream and "lie-de-vin" combination, adding another layer to its unique visual history.
- Wartime and Post-War: Following the tumultuous years of World War II, the car was requisitioned, a common fate for many high-value vehicles during the conflict. In 1951, it was sold by "les Domaines," the French state property agency, as part of the post-war asset redistribution.
- Preservation by Enthusiasts: Decades later, in the 1980s, the car found a fitting home when it was acquired by the director of the Peugeot Museum in Sochaux, signifying its recognition as a significant piece of French automotive heritage.
- The Flood and Rebirth: In 1990, disaster struck when the car suffered severe flood damage, with water reaching up to the windshield. This catastrophic event could have spelled the end for many vehicles, but for this EMY 8, it marked the beginning of a remarkable rebirth.
- Meticulous Restoration: Between 1991 and 1992, the car underwent an extensive, comprehensive restoration under the expert guidance of Jean-Pierre Borgeaud, a prominent figure in the "Amateurs de Mathis" club. This monumental effort ensured the car’s survival and its return to its former glory, preserving its historical integrity while bringing it back to roadworthy condition. Today, the car proudly displays a beautiful patina, a testament to its long life and careful preservation.
Supporting Data: Engineering Prowess and Market Positioning
The Mathis EMY 8 wasn’t just beautiful; it was a marvel of contemporary engineering, packed with features designed to set it apart.
Engine Specifications and Innovations:
The EMY 8’s heart was a sophisticated side-valve eight-cylinder engine, developed in-house by Mathis. This unique block featured a robust five-bearing crankshaft, ensuring smooth operation and durability. In a clever move, it utilized two cylinder heads sourced from the EMY 4, along with other components like lightweight alloy pistons and valve return springs, showcasing Mathis’s ability to leverage existing successful designs in new, more powerful applications.
Further refinements included a remote oil filtration system, "super-oiling" of the pistons via depression (a sophisticated lubrication method for the time), and an advanced ignition system featuring two coils, two breakers, and a double-pole rotor for enhanced reliability and performance. This attention to detail in engine design underscored Mathis’s commitment to engineering excellence.
Chassis and Suspension:
Mathis was a pioneer in chassis design. The EMY 8 boasted four-wheel independent suspension with torsion bars, a revolutionary feature that significantly improved ride comfort and handling. This was a groundbreaking innovation, making Mathis the first French production car manufacturer to offer such a sophisticated setup. The benefits were substantial: better road holding, reduced unsprung weight, and a smoother ride over varied terrains, giving the EMY 8 a distinct advantage over many of its contemporaries that still relied on more primitive leaf spring rigid axles.
Transmission and Braking:
The freewheel gearbox was another hallmark of Mathis innovation. This system allowed the engine to disengage from the drivetrain when the driver lifted off the accelerator, promoting fuel economy, quieter cruising, and reducing wear on mechanical components. The EMY 8 also featured a gearbox with silent and synchronized second and third gears, enhancing the driving experience by making gear changes smoother and more pleasant. For stopping power, the EMY 8 proudly advertised its hydraulic braking system. While the article notes this was an optional extra, its inclusion highlighted Mathis’s commitment to safety and modern technology, positioning the car as a truly advanced machine capable of competing with the best in the world.
Production and Rarity:
Despite its technological prowess and luxurious positioning, the EMY 8 was produced in limited numbers, exacerbated by the challenging economic climate of the 1930s. The fact that only six examples are known to exist today speaks volumes about its exclusivity and rarity. Each surviving EMY 8 is therefore not just a car, but a precious artifact, a tangible link to a pivotal moment in automotive history.
Official Responses and Market Perception
Emile Mathis himself was a fervent promoter of his creations. The EMY 8 was strategically positioned as the "first French eight-cylinder built in large series," a bold claim that aimed to instill national pride and challenge the dominance of foreign luxury automobiles. This messaging was crucial during a period of rising nationalism and economic protectionism.
Mathis sought to provide a compelling "tricolore alternative" to the large, prestigious cars from abroad, appealing to the French elite’s desire for domestic luxury. The emphasis on features like "hydraulic braking" (even if optional) and the smooth, silent gearbox was part of a concerted effort to showcase the EMY 8 as a technologically superior and refined choice.
While the Great Depression significantly impacted sales across the entire luxury automotive sector, Mathis’s innovative spirit and diverse product range allowed it to weather the initial storm better than some. The company managed to double its production volumes in the early 1930s, partly due to its transatlantic presence and collaborations, even as many competitors struggled. The EMY 8, though a niche product, served as a halo car, enhancing the brand’s image and demonstrating its engineering capabilities. Its reception, particularly among discerning clients like Maurice Cordier, indicated that Mathis had successfully carved out a segment for its high-end offerings.
Implications: Legacy and Enduring Significance
The story of the Mathis EMY 8, and particularly this unique Gangloff-bodied cabriolet, carries several profound implications for automotive history and cultural heritage.
Emile Mathis’s Legacy: The EMY 8 stands as a powerful testament to Emile Mathis’s vision and entrepreneurial spirit. Despite being overshadowed by larger, more enduring marques in later decades, Mathis was, for a time, a major player, a trailblazer in engineering, and a fierce competitor. The EMY 8 embodies his ambition to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what a French automobile could be. Its advanced features, from independent suspension to sophisticated engine design, cemented Mathis’s reputation as an innovator.
The Art of Coachbuilding: The collaboration with Gangloff highlights the golden age of bespoke coachbuilding, where chassis manufacturers provided the mechanical foundations, and specialist artisans crafted unique bodies to the client’s precise specifications. This era allowed for an unparalleled degree of personalization and artistic expression, making each car a rolling sculpture. The potential involvement of Lucien Schlatter, a master designer, further elevates this EMY 8’s artistic significance, placing it in a lineage of iconic automotive forms. The car is not just a Mathis; it is a Gangloff masterpiece, a dual legacy of engineering and artistry.
Preservation of Heritage: The meticulous preservation and restoration of this particular EMY 8 underscore the importance of automotive heritage. Each event in its life – from its initial commission by Maurice Cordier, a man dedicated to local heritage, to its rescue from a flood and subsequent restoration by enthusiasts like Jean-Pierre Borgeaud – illustrates a continuous chain of care and appreciation. Such efforts ensure that these mechanical marvels continue to exist, educating future generations about the technological and artistic achievements of the past. The car’s journey through requisition, state sale, and museum acquisition reflects broader historical narratives of 20th-century France.
A Rare Survivor: With only six known examples, the EMY 8 is exceptionally rare. Its survival against the odds – through war, economic hardship, and natural disaster – makes this specific vehicle even more precious. It is a tangible link to a brand that, despite its brilliance, ultimately faded from the automotive landscape, making each remaining example a vital piece of the puzzle of French industrial history.
A Driving Experience Preserved: The mention of a "test drive" invites us to imagine the experience of taking the wheel of this "diva." To sit behind its steering wheel, to feel the hum of its eight-cylinder engine, and to experience the pioneering independent suspension, is to travel back in time. It is to connect directly with the engineering philosophy of the 1930s and to understand firsthand why Emile Mathis was considered a brilliant figure, capable of creating cars that were not just luxurious but also remarkably advanced for their time. This car, with its appreciable patina, doesn’t just display history; it invites interaction with it, promising a visceral connection to its storied past.
The Mathis EMY 8, with its blend of innovative engineering, bespoke craftsmanship, and a captivating personal history, stands as a poignant reminder of an era of grand ambition and enduring elegance. Its story is a celebration of the individuals who conceived, created, owned, and ultimately preserved such extraordinary machines, ensuring that the legacy of French automotive brilliance continues to inspire.
Find the continuation of this article in Gazoline No. 346. Order this issue on the official Gazoline store: cutt.ly/gHCkJb4
