Cars from 1920 to 1950 - The golden age of the car
Mathis P
1924
Code 1318
Body style: torpedo
The 6 HP or Type P was brought out by Mathis in 1921. Despite its mechanical components, worthy of larger models, this small automobile was classified as a “cyclecar”, because of the tax benefits. The cyclecar was all the rage in the 1920s, a combination of motorcycle and automobile engineering. Rules stipulated that it could not weigh more than 350 kg with an engine of no more than 1100 cc. The Mathis was in direct competition with the Citroën 5 HP and was one of the best cars in its category. It set new fuel economy records in 1922, using only 2.38 litres of petrol for 100 km (99 mpg). This was the year that Mathis came up with the famous slogan “Le poids, voilà l’ennemi!” (Weight is the enemy).
