LOT 215

c.1903 Darracq 12hp Twin-cylinder Swing-seat Tonneau Registration no. W 21 Chassis no. 3777 Engine no. 3215

Sold for £83,950 inc. premium

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Lot 215

c.1903 Darracq 12hp Twin-cylinder Swing-seat Tonneau

The Golden Age of Motoring Sale|31 October 2025, 17:00 GMT|London, New Bond Street

c.1903 Darracq 12hp Twin-cylinder Swing-seat Tonneau
Registration no. W 21
Chassis no. 3777
Engine no. 3215

• Completely restored to outstanding cosmetic condition
• Photographs of the restoration available
• Present ownership since circa 2015
• Currently undated by the Veteran Car Club

Born in Bordeaux in 1855, Alexandre Darracq made a fortune in the bicycle industry's boom years of the late 19th Century and like many of his contemporaries subsequently turned his attention to powered transport. Darracq's new venture was financed by the sale of his Gladiator bicycle business to Dunlop, though he continued to make bicycle components in his new factory at Suresnes, Seine.

After two false starts that saw him abandon electric carriage manufacture and then attempt unsuccessfully to sell the built-under-licence Léon Bollée voiturette, Darriacq launched his first successful internal combustion-engined automobile in 1900. Darracq was a businessman rather than an engineer and had recruited designer Paul Ribeyrolles to be responsible for its production. That first 6½hp single-cylinder voiturette was followed by a range of twins and fours, and to publicise his products Darracq set about establishing a reputation for sporting prowess. In December 1905 a 22-litre V8-engined monster designed by Ribeyrolles and driven by Victor Hemery set a new World Land Speed Record of 109.65mph, and that same year Darracq won the both the Circuit des Ardennes and Vanderbilt Cup races, repeating the latter victory in 1906, thereby demonstrating that Darracqs were durable as well as fast.

This handsome and powerful 12hp twin Darracq with three forward gears and excellent brakes, was completely restored circa 2010 by the previous owner from whom our vendor purchased it approximately 10 years ago; the restoration was comprehensive, as evidenced by detailed photographs on file. The latter also contains photographs taken before and after the rebuild and a historic registration document issued by the local licensing authority. Also included in the sale is a full windscreen, full weather equipment, and some very nice high-quality lighting.

It should be noted that this car is currently undated by the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain, although it previously held an RAC Events Passport.

Additional information

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