Footnotes

• This little known make dates back to the mid-19th Century when Jean-Pierre Delaugère set up in business as a carriage maker in Orleans. The family began experimenting with powered transport in the late 1890s, initially using De Dion-Bouton engines and then its own. These early Delaugère automobiles were constructed along Panhard lines, with automatic inlet valve engines and twin chain final drive. In 1904 Maurice Clayette joined the company, which was re-titled 'SA des Éts Delaugère, Clayette Frères et Compagnie'.
  
  By 1905 the range had expanded to include twin-cylinder models and fours, the largest of the latter displacing a mighty 15 litres. Shaft drive made its first appearance on a Delaugère at around this time, spreading gradually throughout the entire range. Delaugère manufactured munitions during The Great War and despite turning to proprietary engines was soon in trouble, struggling to sell its expensive cars in a time of economic downturn. Panhard bought the factory, which was turned over to making bodies.
  
  Introduced in 1904, Delaugère's Type 4A represented a departure from the Panhard tradition, using a wood reinforced steel chassis frame with steel extensions (like Darracq) to support the engine and gearbox. The former was a 6.3-litre, four-cylinder, F-head unit equipped with low-tension ignition, which drove the rear wheels via a four-speed gearbox and double chain drive.
  
  This Delaugère is dated by the UK's Veteran Car Club as of 1904 manufacture and thus is a strong contender for the London-Brighton Run. The car was purchased by the current vendor at Bonhams' sale at the Grand Palais, Paris in February 2011 (Lot 376) and since then has undergone a full restoration. Works carried out include the fabrication of a new bonnet, wings, firewall and 'serpentine' radiator, while the four-seater open tourer body - an original French period-correct item found in the USA - has been repainted in Gull Black and reupholstered in matching leather. Other noteworthy features include Ducellier gas lamps and a non-standard carburettor. Described by the vendor as in generally good condition, with strong running engine, this rare French Veteran is offered with sundry restoration invoices and VCC dating certificate. The car is currently registered in the Netherlands.
  

Auction Notices

• This vehicle comes with an accepted entry in the 2012 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run Car no. 488

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Category: Motoring / Motor Cars

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