The Golden Age of Motoring Sale
1 November 2024
1904 Darracq 12hp Twin-Cylinder Four-Seat Side-Entrance Tonneau
Estimate: £180,000 - £240,000
Registration no. A 4489
Chassis no. 5363
Engine no. 6100
• Formerly part of the famous Sword Collection
• Formerly owned by the Chairman of the RAC
• Present ownership since 2006
• Eleven successful L-B Runs since acquisition
• Engine professionally rebuilt in 2019 (one L-B since)
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, Darracq launched his first successful internal combustion-engined automobile in 1900. Darracq was a businessman rather then 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.
Our vendor purchased this Darracq in 2006 from classic car dealer, Martin Daly, who was selling the car on behalf of the then owner, Mr Hugh Crawford Balfour, who had acquired it in 2003. Seeking to uncover its history, the vendor sought the advice of VCC stalwart, the late Malcolm Jeal, for many years Chairman of the Club's Dating Committee. This Darracq was formerly part of the famous Sword Collection and there is a picture on file dating from pre-1962 of it in the collection. It is probable that 'A 4489' was sold in one of the Sword Collection sales during the 1960s. The car is known to have been owned subsequently by RAC Chairman Air Chief Marshal Sir John Rogers (prior to 1998), and HSCC CEO Mr Graham White (from 11th August 1998).
While in the vendor's care 'A 4489' has been looked after by Tim Butcher of Trinity Engineering, the Aston Martin specialist, an arrangement which came about as he looked after some of the vendor's Aston Martins. Prior to each Brighton Run the Darracq would be dispatched to Tim who would go over the whole car, check, service and report back on any issues that needed addressing. Bills on file from Trinity Engineering total circa £80,000, the last being issued in 2019 when a complete engine rebuild was undertaken (the car successfully completed the Run post rebuild). 'It comes with a detachable canopy and windscreen (buyer to collect), the interior is original apart from the seat squabs and armrests, while the sensible addition of an electric starter is the only modification notified.
Works undertaken include the following:
Fuel tank removal and specialist cleaning (2007)
Radiator header tank removal and rebuilding (2007)
Centre front seat belt installation (2008)
All brakes relined and rebuilt (2008)
Wooden wheels rebuilt and painted by specialist
Gearbox removal and all internals newly machined as per the originals (2010)
Full engine rebuild by Trinity Engineering at a cost of £20,000-plus (documented on USB stick)
Sundry other routine maintenance procedures carried out over the years (fully documented)
While in the current ownership 'A 4489' competed in the London to Brighton Run from 2006 onwards until and including 2019, with only one year of non-attendance and two failures associated with the gearbox (now rebuilt) and tyre blowouts. Eleven Runs have been successfully completed (just one since the engine rebuild).
Other events attended include the Brooklands Double 12 in 2008 and the Regent Street Concours in 2014. The Darracq has also appeared on the front page of The Times newspaper (Monday 4th November 2013 edition, copy on file) and was used by Goose Productions for their advertising campaign in 2014. It has also featured in various magazines. Hanging in the RAC Club there is an oil painting of 'A 4489' travelling over Westminster Bridge in the company of Prince Michael of Kent at the wheel of another vehicle, driven by its then owner who was Chairman of the RAC at the time (see above).
The Darracq has not been used since the Covid outbreak and has been carefully stored in the owner's fully heated motor house with the other cars in his collection. 'A 4489' has provided the owner and his family with great fun and adventures over the years, with many happy memories; however, the time has now come for another custodian to take over the reins and enjoy ownership as much as they have.
