George Guynemer's Motor Car

9 December 2007, 10:56 PM

In Andre Van Haute's book Pictorial History of the French Air Force Volume One 1909-1940, page 45, there is a photograph of George Guynemer sitting up in a small open car. Presumably, this is his own personal mount, and I would like to know the make and model of the vehicle. Any clues,anyone? Failing that, can anyone tell me what sort of car he normally drove? Most of the major French aces were presented with a large luxury vehicle - a Hispano Suiza, Voisin, or the like as a gift from a grateful nation and a chance for a manufacturer to draw attention to himself and his wares. What happened to Guynemer, a budding national hero, that he got stuck with this weedy-looking puddle jumper?

Bob from Australia

gilles · 10 December 2007, 01:01 AM

Hello

I don't know much about ancient cars but the brand is 'Sigma'.
It is said that Guynemer designed the car (or just the bodywork ?) and that only two were built.

Gilles

Froggy · 10 December 2007, 01:16 AM

Hello

This car sigma which belonged to Guynemer is now a collection vehicle
You can see this car Here

Torpedo à 2 places décalées de la marque Sigma, dotée d'un moteur Ballot à 4 cylindres, ayant appart, une reproduction de objets d'art

Cordialement
Bruno

retread · 10 December 2007, 01:20 AM

In the book "Guynemer - Les Avions D'un As" there are several photos of Guynemer in a couple of Hispano cars. At least one of these was apparently loaned to him by the Spad firm when he was involved with the development of the Spad XII.
From the same source there is a photo of him in a "Sigma" which is a smallish, open vehicle which doesn't appear to be convertable. Although it may have been considered "sporty" in its time. I can't tell you much in regards to this vehicle and a quick web search hasn't been helpful. Perhaps another forumite has more details.

retread · 10 December 2007, 01:39 AM

How about that! The picture in Froggy's link IS the car shown in " Les Avions D'un As ". Both Guynemer's aircraft and car survive to this day. Ironic.

10 December 2007, 02:00 AM

Gotcha! Many thanks brothers.

Bob from Australia

WarrenD · 10 December 2007, 04:40 AM

Well, I think it looks sporty, but then there is no accounting for taste.

Thanks for starting/posting a thread on this. I know next to nothing about motor transport of this period, but would like to know more. I would like to model some vehicles from this period to place next to my a/c models. <Sigh> I guess since only two of these were manufactured we won't see a model of it on the market. Maybe I will have to scratch-build!

Warren

10 December 2007, 03:50 PM

Thanks for that. Good luck with your project.

vb136 · 11 December 2007, 11:04 AM

The Sigma company produced cars from 1913 until 1928.

11 December 2007, 02:56 PM

thanks for that. Tell me, how is it that Sigma continued to build cars for private consumption right through WW1? I understand the vehicle in question was built in 1916, which is perhaps surprising for considering the country was a front-line state fighting for its life at the time (remember Verdun, the Somme etc?).

Bob from Australia