11/30/2009. Remarks by Walter van Tilborg: "The Saphir was another design of Claude Piel and intended as possible successor for the CP.30 Émeraude it was essentially a new design with a different, trapezoidal wing planform, a wooden fuselage and wood wing skinning and also with provision for a retractable landing gear. The Saphir was aerobatic when flown as two-seater and examples were completed with tricycle or tail wheel gear.

Designated CP.1320, the basic model, was suited for engines in the 100-160 hp range, and the first was completed in France by Jacques and Jean-Claude Lascoutounas of Blanquefort, near Bordeaux. First flown with the test registration F-WYIE on October 31, 1979 (later reregistered F-PYIE), this aircraft had an 160 hp Lycoming O-320-C2A engine and a fixed tricycle landing gear. Two further aircraft, also built in France, featured a retractable gear. The prototype was later used as test bed for an LPG tank installation, again with the test registration F-WYIE.

The CP.1320 D was one modified aircraft built in France with a fixed tricycle type landing gear and first flew in October 1985, powered by a 150/160 hp Lycoming O-320. The CP.1321 was very similar to the CP.1320, but with an 145 hp Continental O-300 engine, while the CP.1321 B was a CP.1321 with modifications."