Côte d’Azur Confidential: A Nice mystery in 1952

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On the southeastern coast of France, along the azure-blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, lies the city of Nice – famed for its mild climate, glamorous allure, and its iconic seaside promenade. In the years following World War II, the French Riviera experienced a golden era, luring jetsetters, artists, and tourists alike with its Mediterranean light and chic atmosphere.

On an old postcard dated 1952, we see a charming scene of the Promenade des Anglais. The elegance of the era is visible in every detail: from the neatly arranged terrace chairs to the palm-lined boulevard – and, of course, the cars.

A variety of automobiles is parked along the coastal road: a mix of French, British, and American models from the 1940s and early ’50s. Among the more recognizable examples, we spot Peugeots, Citroëns, a few imposing Packards, and possibly an Austin or Ford. The styles range from modest sedans to graceful coupés.

But what truly makes this postcard intriguing is a mysterious vehicle, partially obscured by a lamppost just right of center in the image. It’s a cabriolet – a drophead coupé – with a striking front end and a rather unusual grille.

Speculation has arisen: could it be a rare version of a Talbot-Lago, a Hotchkiss, or even a Delage? The body appears to be custom-built, possibly by an independent carrossier – not uncommon at the time for high-end marques.

The grille stands out: vertically oriented, quite narrow, and set at a slight angle – in contrast to the wider, horizontal designs seen on many postwar vehicles. These design cues suggest it could be a rare, perhaps even unique creation. Could it be a special body by Chapron, Figoni et Falaschi, or Letourneur et Marchand?

To this day, the exact identity of the cabriolet remains unconfirmed. Perhaps an expert – someone with a keen eye for detail and a deep knowledge of historic coachwork – can solve the mystery. We’d love to hear from you.

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