Piccard-Pictet 20/30 CV classic cars for sale

Origin and history of the Piccard-Pictet 20/30 CV

Piccard-Pictet was a Geneva-based marque, founded by Charles and Paul Piccard alongside Lucien Pictet, that specialised in luxury automobiles at the dawn of the automobile era. The 20/30 CV first appeared in the mid-1910s at a time when European manufacturers vied for technological distinction and reliability. Piccard-Pictet vehicles quickly achieved recognition for their advanced mechanical designs, which borrowed concepts from aviation—a field both Piccard brothers were deeply engaged in. Production was severely impacted by the First World War, limiting numbers and elevating the model’s significance among early Swiss motoring achievements.

Model history

The 20/30 CV followed Piccard-Pictet’s earlier 10/12 CV and 15/22 CV series, positioning itself as a more powerful and refined offering in their line-up. Its production spanned only a few years, with most surviving examples featuring custom coachwork by leading Swiss and French craftsmen. No direct successor was produced, as the brand ceased car manufacturing shortly after WWI, making the 20/30 CV the pinnacle of Piccard-Pictet’s efforts.

Highlights of the Piccard-Pictet 20/30 CV

A centrepiece of Swiss automotive heritage, the 20/30 CV boasted features uncommon among its contemporaries: A robust straight-four engine equipped with overhead valves, extensive use of lightweight alloys, and advanced cooling solutions. Its chassis allowed for bespoke bodies, resulting in a wide variety of elegant and practical designs depending on client wishes. The rarity of the model today is further accentuated by the very limited production numbers.

Technical data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Several 20/30 CV chassis received custom bodies from esteemed coachbuilders such as Carrosserie Worblaufen and J. Saoutchik. Individual ‘specials’ exist, typically commissioned by affluent Swiss industrialists or for use in concours d’élégance, occasionally featuring unique paintwork, trim, or instrumentation.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

Performance characteristics of the 20/30 CV reflected early-20th century priorities: the car was engineered for longevity and smoothness, not for outright speed. The straight-four engine delivered steady power at low revs, with torque suitable for hilly Swiss terrain. Steering and suspension set-ups were considered advanced for their era, giving the car a controlled, confident ride. Manual transmissions require careful adjustment, and correct engine timing is key for optimal running. There is mention of a handful of preserved 20/30 CV models with open-touring coachwork, favoured for their combination of mechanical simplicity and spacious cabins.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Each 20/30 CV was typically delivered as a chassis with running gear, to be completed by the buyer’s preferred coachbuilder—resulting in significant variation in appearance and amenities. Frequent choices included hand-trimmed leather interiors, wooden dashboards, and polished brass fittings. Exteriors ranged from formal limousines to sporty tourers, often finished with two-tone paint schemes and elaborate mouldings. Options such as special lighting, luggage racks, or removable roofs were available on request.

Other relevant features

In the small Swiss car scene of the pre-war era, the Piccard-Pictet 20/30 CV was viewed as a symbol of technical prowess and innovation—often owned by engineers, entrepreneurs, and academics with an eye for forward-thinking engineering. Surviving documentation and period advertisements are rare, making factory-original details prized by restoration specialists.

Summary

The Piccard-Pictet 20/30 CV stands as a rare witness to Swiss automotive ambition before the mass motorisation age. Its technical ingenuity, bespoke craftsmanship, and limited production yield a highly individual collector’s experience, with each vehicle reflecting personal tastes and innovation from a long-lost Geneva atelier. Today, the search for surviving examples remains a challenge even for dedicated enthusiasts.