1902 | Darracq Type F

1902 Darracq 9hp Rear Entrance Tonneau.
Chassis number: 2274
Registration Number: GV95
Dating July 1st 2006 Certificate Number: 2456
A simply exceptional VCC dated London to Brighton single cylinder car:
As a London to Brighton car this Darracq has it all. A desirable brand name. A comfortable four seat body. A powerful 9hp engine that goes up Clayton hill with 4 passengers in top gear. Easy Electrical starting. Relatively conventional controls, with a pedal layout every driver is familiar with.
This car underwent a full restoration under the direction or Ron Mellowship the former owner who disinterred it from an american museum. The car was subsequently dated as 1902 by The VCC making it a relatively early London to Brighton starter. Simply put the car is in cosmetically immaculate condition.
This Darracq has a 1500 Cc powerful single cylinder engine equipped with an electric starter for ease of use. Starting is as simple as priming the car with several turns of the starting handle with the decompression lever open. Then one touch of the starter button eases it into life having remembered to close the decompression lever prior to pressing the starting button. The engine is quiet powerful & allows for a slightly alarming turn of speed if given full rein.
Under the coal scuttle style bonnet is an example of the largest single cylinder Darracq manufactured. It is equpped with an original bronze Schebler carburettor. A copy of an original Darracq manual comes with the car explaining its correct operation & care to be used when venturing out on the road.
The gear box is a sequential 3 speed easily mastered affair. The car has a conventional clutch & both brake & accelerator are where one would expect to find them. An advance & retard lever is found under the steering wheel. A steering damper is cleverly fitted to dispel any tendancy to wheel simmy over bumps.
The car is coach painted in maroon with cream coach lines. Black buttoned leather upholstery covers the seating surfaces. Both front & rear tonneau covers come with the car as do a pair of side mounted screens protecting ones legs in inclement conditions. There are also 4 brackets for a surrey top although one does not come with the car, but could be easily fabricated. The car is festooned with appropriate brass light mirrors horns & other items whilst modern LED running lamps have been cunningly slotted into the rear surrey top brackets with a nod to health & safety.
This Darracq has recently completed the Ward Brothers' Bermuda trip travelling round the islands without issue. Upon return it has been sent to a marque specialist for £25,000 or so of fettling to make it ready for London to Brighton. This work includes various new bearings including the differential input shaft & wheels. A new crown wheel & pinion are being made for the slightly worn differential. A brand new set of wooden wheels are being made exactly replicating the current ones which are suffering from some loose spokes on one of the wheels. The decision was made to make four new ones & make them ready for the next 100 or so years. Attention is also being given to the axle stubs & braking system.
To sum up this car will be in impeccable restored condition & is equally suited to summer runs to the local pub or Tescos as it is to the famed London to Brighton run which it has reliably completed many times, never failing to proceed even during 2002's altidiluvian deluge when an Ark might have been more suitable transport.