CTA-Arsenal

He persuaded Marcel Paul, the industry minister, to release government funds in order that the CTA might work on the project.

Albert Lory, who had built his reputation with Delage in the 1920s, was placed in charge of the project team, but he only took responsibility for the engine, being highly critical of the chassis and suspension design which he, along with independent commentators, regarded as the car's weak spot.

In 1947 the car was entered for the French Grand Prix, and the race, run that year at Lyon, was postponed till 21 September to enable it to compete.

Lory designed a high performance 1 482 cc V8 engine incorporating four overhead camshafts and two Roots compressors.

[1] Stopping power came from hydraulically controlled drum brakes and the car sat on Rudge-Whitworth spoked wheels.