The Charade Monza had a double life

Posted by John Mellberg December 17, 2020

The Charade Monza had a double life

A common daydream of car enthusiasts is the idea of creating a bespoke car of their own design, perhaps even starting a company to make them in numbers. Of course, for most of us the idea never goes beyond wistful fantasy. This is a story of one man's vision and his efforts to make that dream a reality.

Frenchman Pierre Foissotte, was an engineer by training. He began his career in the Auto Industry working for Esso Fuels where he was involved in fuel delivery systems. From there he went to Formula Renault and worked on the design and manufacture of racecars. Once he decided to strike out on his own, his initial thought was to continue making racers. In the course of his professional life, he came to meet many likeminded people that shared this dream.

The project began in 1986, with Foissotte gathering a small group of technicians and craftsmen to design a futuristic GT car.

The Charade Monza, at rear

Their original intent was only to produce a small number of cars. As things progressed a Japanese designer got involved in the project and set to work on the styling. The designer had industry connections in Asia and soon the team was working with a firm in Jakarta, Indonesia that specialized in plastics and fiberglass. They would handle production of the tooling and bodies. Foissotte also found partners to manufacture the glass components of their proposed car in Japan.

In 1989 a mock-up of the car was presented at a private showing in Clermont-Ferrand, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, to gauge reaction and recruit potential partners in the production of the car. It received a very positive reception from attendees and generated considerable interest. So much so, that the team made the move to incorporate.

The Charade Monza, in Targa form with scissor-style doors

The company Charade Automobile SA was founded in September 1989, and bought premises in Clermont-Ferrand to set up a shop and launch a limited production run. As for the car, it would be called the Monza, a choice made by Pierre Foissotte himself, in reference to the last race which he competed in as a driver.

To reach a wider audience, the company exhibited its car at the Paris race car show at the end of 1989. The Charade Monza made a real splash and contacts were made to distribute the car both in France and internationally. At the time, the Charade Monza was still just a rolling model, the car had no suspension and was basically a simple wooden buck for display. A lot of work was yet to be done before they could bring the car to market.

The Charade Monza, in profile

They still needed to secure an engine supplier, at this point. Several options were evaluated including Honda, Toyota, and Mitsubishi but ultimately the engine and drivetrain of the Peugeot 205GTI were selected. This motor would be mounted in a mid-rear configuration within a box-section tubular steel chassis. The bodies were produced in fiberglass by PT. Kreasindo Trampil Mandiri in Jakarta.

Despite the Monza's warm reception, orders would prove less plentiful than anticipated. This prompted a change in plans and the company moved to a new location, scaling down their capacity. In an attempt to cater to a wider market, a version of the Monza was designed to accept VW Fox running gear and be sold as a kit.

Sadly, their efforts did not bear fruit and Foissette's company closed its doors in 1993. It is speculated that around 2 dozen examples of the Monza were produced in France.

However, this was not the end of the story.

The Charade Monza, aka Pawma XL300

In Indonesia, the car had a parallel life as the Pawma XL300. In this guise it used the a Mitsubishi Colt L300 as its donor with a modified 1600cc version of its engine, as well as its 5-speed transmission. It was first exhibited at the Jakarta Fair in 1990 and was produced in small numbers until the mid 90's. It was offered in two versions, a Coupe and a Targa style with a removable roof.

Today, it remains a fascinating example of an independently made car. One that represented the passions of a small but determined group of people with a shared vision. Though their lofty goals were never reached, they lived the dream and I salute them.

Sources:

Ancient Automobiles

Mobil Motor Lama