The 1936 Chenard et Walcker Aigle 22 is one of the most iconic models of this pre-war French brand. This 1:43 scale model perfectly captures the elegance and refinement of this family sedan that defined the 1930s.
This faithful reproduction is aimed at collectors passionate about French automobiles and is a choice piece for any collection dedicated to cars from the 1930s .
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Eagle 22
- Brand: Chenard and Walcker
- Year: 1936
- Scale: 1/43
- Protective case included: Yes
The real model: an exceptional sedan
The 1936 Aigle 22 was launched by Chenard and Walcker to compete with the family saloons of the time such as the Citroën Traction or the Peugeot 402. Equipped with a 2.2-litre 4-cylinder engine developing around 50 horsepower, it displayed respectable performance for the time with a top speed of around 100 km/h.
Its bodywork, with its flowing, modern lines for the time, integrated headlights , and distinctive chrome grille, made it an elegant automobile prized by the French bourgeoisie. The meticulous finish and generous interior space justified its high-end positioning.
Despite its undeniable qualities, production of the Aigle 22 remained confidential, a victim of the difficult economic climate and fierce competition in the French automobile market of the 1930s .
Chenard and Walcker: pioneers of the French automobile industry
Founded in 1901 in Gennevilliers by Ernest Chenard and Henri Walcker , this French brand quickly distinguished itself through its technical innovation and sporting successes. In the 1920s, Chenard et Walcker distinguished itself at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a memorable victory in 1923.
In the 1930s, when the Aigle 22 was created, the brand was undergoing a phase of repositioning. After prioritizing sports and racing cars, Chenard & Walcker turned to the family sedan market to ensure its economic sustainability.
The company was then seeking to capitalize on its reputation for technical excellence to attract a bourgeois clientele seeking distinction and reliability, in the face of the rise of the major French manufacturers.
A brand that bears witness to its time
The story of the Chenard et Walcker Aigle 22 perfectly illustrates the challenges faced by French car manufacturers during the interwar period. This pivotal period saw the birth of a true revolution in the automotive industry, with the emergence of mass production and the democratization of the automobile.
The Chenard et Walcker brand, despite its recognized know-how and technical innovations, was unable to compete with the industrial strategies of giants like Citroën or Peugeot. The Aigle 22, although technically accomplished, was produced in a limited series , demonstrating the difficulty of artisanal manufacturers in adapting to the new realities of the market.
This period also saw the emergence of the first mainstream car shows , where the Aigle 22 rubbed shoulders with the productions of major French and foreign brands. These events democratized access to automotive information and allowed the public to discover confidential brands such as Chenard and Walcker.
Today, Chenard and Walcker vehicles have become particularly sought-after collector's items , witnesses to an era when the French automobile industry was rich in numerous independent manufacturers with strong personalities.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Chenard et Walcker Aigle 22 fits perfectly into a collection dedicated to French model cars . It harmoniously interacts with other models of the period such as the Delahaye or the Talbot , recreating the automotive atmosphere of the 1930s.
Collectors specializing in lesser-known French brands will find a rare piece here that will enrich their collection of French manufacturers. It is the perfect addition to collections focused on the history of pre-war French automobiles, a period teeming with creativity and innovation.
This model car will also appeal to vintage car enthusiasts who want to discover brands that are little known to the general public but which played a full part in the golden age of the French automobile.
