1904 Delaugere et Clayette 24/40 Type 4A ‘La Bete Noire’ (The Black Beast)
Registration No. CU176
Engine No. 12
Chassis No. 205
VCC Dating Certificate. 2337
£POA
Jean-Pierre Delaugere started making horse drawn carriages for the French aristocracy in Orleans, France in 1840. He incorporated the company Delaugere Pere et fils in 1864, and his two sons Henri and Emile took over after he died in 1868. Delaugere made its first motorised carriage in 1898 a three wheeled vehicle with a single cylinder engine. The company started to produce its two and four cylinder cars in 1902.
The company changed its name to Delaugere et Clayette in 1904 when Maurice Clayette became a partner in the business, after which it began producing much larger capacity vehicles that were extremely luxurious and expensive. By 1906 the company was thriving and had a greater capital base than both Renault and Peugeot cementing its place amongst the best French manufacturers. The company went into decline after World War 1 and was eventually bought out by Panhard et Levassor, who had been a competitor for some 25 years. Upon their purchase, the factory was converted into a coach-works where Panhard Levassor made their bodies.
This incredible, enormous and imposing car known as ‘La Bete Noir’ or ‘The Black Beast’ is the sole surviving pre 1905 Delaugere in the existence today. In fact there are only believed to be 24 Delaugere et Clayette cars of all ages in the world surviving. It is clear to see that the car was built in direct competition with the big Panhard Levassors of 24/32HP as many of the features were shared. The automatic inlet valves, double chain drive, steel reinforced wood chassis and even the bonnet and radiator design were similar.
This vehicle was displayed for many years at the Aarholm Museum in Denmark with an incorrect body from 1909 and it was here that the current ownership really went to work on the car. Upon stripping the incorrect body, it was found that the Chassis, Engine, Gearbox, Axles, brakes and even the oiler were all original. This was enough to prompt a new body to be made based on period correct design and this is how the car presents today. The car features a 4 speed sequential gearbox with reverse, chain drive, rod operated brakes and a conventional pedal layout. The power unit in the car is Delaugeres true master piece, a 4 cylinder, 6.5 Litre engine with a fiscal tax rating of 24HP and a displacement rating of 40/50HP. The car is capable of 55-60mph, meaning it is one of the fastest and most powerful London to Brighton Eligible cars in the world today.
The car was dated by the VCC in September 2000 and had successfully completed 12+ London to Brighton runs in recent years, incredibly it usually finishes in the first 30 cars, despite starting in the last 30! A true feast for the senses on the road. The car is ready for any inspection and is fitted with an electric starter for easy use. A car that could truly be driven anywhere, any distance.
A Note From Tom:
' Rarely do you get the opportunity to purchase one of the biggest capacity London to Brighton cars in existence, let alone one that has been mechanically gone through. This special car has a presence that could only be matched in a car 10 times the value. A unique opportunity.'
£POA
