Jacques Saoutchik: Art Deco Coachbuilding & the Finch SS100 Tribute
Who Was Jacques Saoutchik?
In the pantheon of classic car coachbuilders, Jacques Saoutchik stands among the most esteemed. Born Iakov Savtchuk in 1880 in Ukraine, before the Frenchification of his name, Saoutchik moved to Paris at the turn of the century and established his own carrosserie (coachbuilding company) in 1906. The French capital was a vibrant hub of automotive innovation and opulence, and Saoutchik quickly rose to prominence, becoming known for his exquisite craftsmanship and avant-garde designs.
Jacques Saoutchik's designs were celebrated for their luxurious details and flowing, dramatic lines that epitomized the Art Deco movement. He had a unique talent for marrying bold, fluid contours with intricate metalwork, ornate embellishments, and sumptuous interiors. His work wasn’t just about creating vehicles; it was about creating works of art that encapsulated the spirit of an era—a time when automobiles were the ultimate status symbol and a mark of personal expression.
The 1930s marked the peak of Saoutchik’s career, and he was sought after by some of the wealthiest and most influential figures of the time. He designed for marques such as Bugatti, Delahaye, Delage, Hispano-Suiza, and Talbot-Lago, creating bespoke bodies that turned heads wherever they went. The fluid lines, teardrop-shaped fenders, and extravagant chrome detailing that characterized Saoutchik’s work made each of his creations unmistakable.
Notable Commissions & Innovations
One of Saoutchik’s most famous commissions was for the Delahaye 165, a car that debuted at the 1938 Paris Auto Salon and showcased his exceptional ability to blend elegance with audacity. With sweeping lines, a distinctive grille, and luxurious finishes, the Delahaye 165 became an icon of the pre-war automotive world. Saoutchik’s designs were not limited to aesthetics—he innovated with features like disappearing hardtops, which were precursors to today’s convertible technology.
After World War II, Saoutchik continued to work his magic, crafting luxurious designs on post-war chassis from Cadillac, Talbot-Lago, and Pegaso. However, the coachbuilding industry was changing, with mass production taking over and the demand for bespoke automobiles waning. Despite these challenges, Saoutchik's creations from the late 1940s and early 1950s remained opulent, carrying forward the Art Deco sensibilities into a new era of motoring.
Jacques Saoutchik passed away in 1955, but his legacy endures. Today, Saoutchik's vehicles are considered some of the finest examples of Art Deco design in automotive history, often gracing the lawns of prestigious concours events such as Pebble Beach. The distinctive curves, luxurious materials, and craftsmanship that defined his work continue to inspire automotive designers and restorers around the world.
Gallery: Jacques Saoutchik Coachbuilt Vehicles
Reviving the Saoutchik Spirit at Finch Restorations
Here at Finch Restorations, we honour the legacy of Jacques Saoutchik through our recreation of the SS100—infused with Saoutchik's iconic style. The recreation of this Saoutchik SS100 is more than just an homage to an automotive legend; it is a journey into the heart of 1930s Paris, a time when cars were more than a means of transport—they were expressions of art and individuality.
3D Scanning & CAD Modelling
The project began with our Design Office, where Andrea utilised advanced 3D scanning technology to meticulously capture the shape of our client's vehicle. Every line, every contour, and every subtle nuance of the SS100 was digitally scanned to ensure that the new guards and body would fit and incorporate Saoutchik’s hallmark flowing curves and intricate details.
From these scans, CAD models were developed by Andrea and Kathy, allowing us to plan out the design in precise detail. Saoutchik’s work was known for its exceptional attention to detail, and our CAD modeling process reflects that same level of care. The digital models provided a blueprint for crafting the body panels and ensured that every part of the car would be recreated with fidelity to the original design.
Bucks & Body Planning
Once the CAD models were complete, we moved into the physical world of craftsmanship. The next step involved creating bucks—full-scale models that served as guides for shaping the aluminium panels. The bucks were constructed using a combination of traditional techniques and modern precision, ensuring that every contour was correct before the final metalwork began. These bucks provided the foundation upon which the Saoutchik-inspired body could take shape.
Crafting the Aluminium Body
The physical magic happens when Dean, our highly skilled coachbuilder, took on the task of shaping the aluminium body. Using an English Wheel, Dean transformed flat sheets of aluminium into the graceful, flowing panels that are the hallmark of Saoutchik’s style. This part of the process is where the artistry of coachbuilding truly shines—taking raw metal and, through skill and experience, transforming it into something beautiful.
Dean's work is a tribute to the old-world craftsmanship that Saoutchik himself would have employed. Each piece was carefully shaped and fitted, ensuring that the body lines flowed seamlessly from one panel to the next. The guards, the fenders, and the sweeping curves were all crafted by hand, with Dean bringing his experience and passion for metal shaping to every aspect of the project.
The combination of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship is what makes this Saoutchik SS100 recreation so special. It's a process that involves not just technical skill but also an understanding of the artistry that goes into coachbuilding. It's about bringing the past into the present—not as a replica, but as a revival of an iconic style.
A Living Tribute to Saoutchik's Legacy
This Saoutchik SS100 recreation is more than just a car; it’s a living tribute to Jacques Saoutchik’s enduring influence. The process of creating this car has involved the talents of many at Finch Restorations—from the meticulous scanning and CAD modeling by Andrea and Kathy to the masterful coachbuilding by Dean. Each person involved has contributed their expertise to ensure that this tribute honors the original spirit of Saoutchik’s work.
We invite you to join us on this journey. Follow along as we continue to document the progress of this remarkable vehicle, bringing it to life with all the care and craftsmanship that Jacques Saoutchik himself would have admired. Our Saoutchik SS100 will also be featured at the Adelaide Auto Expo on Friday 8th November and Saturday 9th November 2024, where you'll have the chance to see this tribute up close.
Stay tuned for live demonstrations by our talented craftspeople, showcasing both the traditional coachbuilding techniques and advanced 3D scanning technologies that made this project possible. Finch Restorations is proud to keep the spirit of master coachbuilders like Saoutchik alive, celebrating the art of the automobile and the dedication of those who create it.
