The war years Chenard-Walcker

fourgon d3 marketed 1950 1965

in september 1939 france declared war on germany , in june 1940 german army rapidly invaded , occupied northern france. war years characterised desperate shortage of raw materials civilian industry , of petrol. in 1940 chenard & walcker presented prototype light van based ambulance intended army, , vehicle turned out first in long line of forward control light vans. 1941 van listed civilian use, powered compact 720 cc (44 cu in) two-stroke water-cooled engine occupied central position between driver s right leg , left leg of passenger. power output in region of 20 hp (15 kw) seems have been barely compatible stated 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) of carrying capacity. 1942 fuel civilian use had become virtually unobtainable , electric-powered version of little van offered company called sovel. although success of little van not sufficient ensure manufacturer long-term future in vehicle production, van endured. towards end of 1940s chausson (the company had acquired chenard & walcker) fell hands of peugeot, , van acquired engine peugeot 202. few years later, in 1950, rebranded peugeot d3 van. last ones carry chenard name made in 1950.