1901 Georges Richard 8HP Twin Engined Swing Seat Tonneau
Registration No. BS8355
Car/Chassis No. E70
Engine No. 70
Type. Model E
VCC Dating Cert No. 1899
£105,000 GBP
Georges Richard was a French racing driver and automobile industry pioneer. His first automobile manufacturing company was formed in 1897 Georges and his brother Maxim Richard. A key feature of the brothers enterprise (that grew from bicycle repair and manufacture) was their ability to offer a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects, something which at the time was highly appealing, but also caused a huge amount of trouble for the company.
In 1901 Georges Richard produced a single cylinder 5HP of this type for the Paris-Berlin race, however they also produced Two 8HP Twin Engined cars as shown here for the Col Du Laffrey hill climb in 1901. It is believed that this is the only surviving Georges Richard of its type worldwide.
A front-mounted engine supplies the motive power, the unusual configuration giving the appearance of two separate single-cylinder vertical water-cooled engines with a common flywheel in between, from which power is transmitted by flat belt to a three speed gearbox/final drive unit in the back axle.
This car remained more of less untouched from 1901 until after the Second World War, having been in storage since the early years of the 20th century and very probably from before the Great War. It was then on display in a small French museum until acquired by Bruno Vendiesse and sold to Soames Langton in 1990, who imported it to Britain and sold it to the vendor.
The front chassis cross member carries a bronze plate confirming the factory address as being in the Avenue de la Grand Armes, Paris, and noting that it was capitalised at the time at 3,000,000 francs. We are told that the car runs well with four people aboard, and has been used regularly for local trips, as well as taking part in the 1992 London to Brighton Run and the 1996 centenary London to Brighton Run. Its early date of manufacture ensures an early start on the Run.
Presented in stunning original condition, this unorthodox London to Brighton car also completed both the 2022 (Wet) and 2023 London to Brighton runs without issue and is ready for a new custodian to enjoy. Such is the cars originality, the original trimming has also been kept by the current owner and will go alongside the car upon sale. Other documentation is available to include current V5C, London to Brighton finisher certificates, period manuals, documents and invoices totalling over £30,000 in the last 15 years.