1903 Darracq 8HP Rear Entrance Tonneau
Reg No. BS8157
VCC Dating Certificate No.2129
£110,000 GBP Including 2025 London to Brighton Entry
Alexandre Darracq had experimented with electric carriages as early as 1896 but it was not until 1900 that Darracq was to build his first successful internal combustion engine car. The single cylinder, 8hp Darracq introduced in 1903 was the mainstay of Darracq production.
This hugely successful model followed conventional practice a vertical, single cylinder engine (1.1 Litres) featuring an atmospheric inlet valve and mechanical exhaust valve. Transmission was via a 3 forward speed hand change gearbox with reverse mates to a leather lined conical clutch. The pedal layout was conventional as by Panhard Et Levassor cars of the time and controls from the steering wheel were ignition and fixed throttle. Braking was via a transmission brake located to the side of the gearbox with a separate brake lever external to the car operating rear brake bands on the wheels. Lubrication was via a hand oil pump located on the cars scuttle board along with the fuel tank.
By 1904 the Darracq factory at Suresnes accounted for not less than 10% of French motorcar production.
The example shown here is a nice representation of the 1903 8HP Darracq and has clearly been well cared for. In recent years the car has performed well carrying 4 or 5 people from London to Brighton an event in which it has completed around 18 times since the year 2000. The history file shows that the car was initially found in New Zealand in the late 1960s and entered the UK in the mid 1980s. The car was comprehensively restored in the mid 1990s and bills on file show that extraordinary expense had been placed upon its maintenance from 2000-2018. Items that appear to have had work include the engine, gearbox, rear axle and differential, ignition system and wheels. The car is in nice cosmetic condition also, with the upholstery in particular a lovely feature. The addition of a ring gear and starter motor make the car extremely easy to start and with its 4/5 seat capability an excellent car for more than just a once a year journey.
Having driven the car myself around 15 miles, I can comment that the starting, gear change and braking are all easy to use and functioning well. The car would make an excellent addition to any enthusiasts garage and a very capable 4/5 seat London to Brighton competitor.
For further information, to arrange a viewing or consultation, please contact Tom Parrott on 07572526196 or alternatively via email at tomparrottveteran@gmail.com
