- The revived Saoutchik brand is partnering with Ugur Sahin and Pogea Racing for its comeback.
- Saoutchik’s first model teaser shows a 300 GTC with Mercedes branding and classic proportions.
- Nearly 70 years after bankruptcy, Saoutchik hopes to reclaim its place in luxury coachbuilding.
The market for exclusive, limited-production vehicles is booming, giving a much-needed jolt to the world of coachbuilding. Saoutchik, one of the most important French coachbuilders from the 1920s and ’30s, has announced its comeback nearly 70 years after disappearing into obscurity.
Teasers of the Saoutchik 300 GTC reveal a car proudly sporting the Mercedes emblem, hinting at an extravagant two-seater roadster with extreme proportions. A sketch of the new model sits next to the 1927 Mercedes-Benz 680S Torpedo Roadster by Saoutchik, suggesting the design will lean heavily on its storied past.
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The sleek rear end bears an unmistakable resemblance to the 1954 Mercedes 300 SL. Twin exhaust pipes confirm that this will be an ICE-powered creation, staying true to Saoutchik’s roots. A fabric retractable roof, an impossibly long hood, and a narrow windshield round out the design details we’ve seen so far.
At the moment, it’s hard to tell which production model will serve as a base for the coachbuilding special, although the Mercedes SL seems like the obvious candidate.
J_Saoutchik / Instagram
And now a little bit of history. The original firm was founded in 1906 by Iakov Saoutchik, a cabinet maker born in the Russian empire. Based in Neuilly-sur-Seine near Paris, Saoutchik quickly rose to prominence for its bold, extravagant designs, remaining at the forefront of coachbuilding for decades. Post-World War II, a declining market and economic crises eventually forced the company into bankruptcy in 1955, just two years before its founder passed away.
Fast forward to 2024, and the historic name has been revived by a new entity, Carossiers Saoutchik, based in Hippolytushoef, Netherlands. The project is spearheaded by Dutch designer Ugur Sahin and German tuner Pogea Racing GmbH, blending vintage prestige with modern expertise.
The official announcement on social media describes Saoutchik as once being “synonymous with luxury, innovation, and exclusivity,” serving an elite clientele that ranged from royalty to Hollywood stars. The new venture promises to honor that legacy, aiming to return the brand to the “pantheon of luxury automobiles.” Whether it will live up to its lofty ambitions remains to be seen.
H/T to Nicolas Meunier for the tip
