The French Cars of the Thirties (103)Explore the celebrated brands, visionary coach builders and enduring vehicles of 1930s France. The inspiration behind the early vehicles—Delage, Bugatti, Voisin, Delahaye—is still evident in today's luxury, specialty and high-performance automobile markets.
We first stop by Paris for the Rétromobile, a 10-day extravaganza that's considered to be Europe's most prestigious, eclectic and interesting automotive event. We'll also meet Patrick Delage, the great-grandson of pioneer auto manufacturer Louis Delage.
Next, take a look at amazing cars such as the Vinot-Deguingand, one of the few cars to race at the first 24 Heures du Mans (24 Hours of Le Mans) race in 1923. Learn about the history of Bugatti racecars and roadsters, then catch up with Andre Etancelin, grandson of racing legend Philippe Etancelin.
Finally, visit a private collection of some of the most coveted vehicles of the era.
Rétromobile Facts:
- Held in Paris each February, the 10-day Rétromobile/Rétronautique attracts more than 100,000 car and boat enthusiasts.
- The themes of the 2002 expo were motor racing, a Christie's auction, and the 80th anniversary of the Jaguar SS.
- Jaguar Cars Ltd., now a division of the Ford Motor Company, was originally founded as the Swallow Sidecar Company in September 1922 by William Lyons and William Walmesley.
- Louis Delage founded his own automobile brand in 1905, at age 31. The company came close to bankruptcy in 1935, when the right to manufacture cars under the Delage name was bought by Delahaye.
- A Delage Coach Aerosport was chosen to represent part of the French government's automotive display at the 1939 New York World's Fair.
Contact Information:
Rétromobile
14 rue Lesault
93500 Pantin France
011-33-(0)1-48-44-30-30
www.retromobile.fr
Resources:
French Cars : 1920 to 1925
by Pierre Dumont, John Bolster (Translator)
Delage World
www.delage-world.co-uk
Classic Sports Cars
www.classicsportscars.com
French Classics
www.frenchclassics.co.uk
Vinot-Deguingand/Le Mans Facts:
- Vinot-Deguingand took over Gladiator in 1909, and the cars were sold under both names.
- When Vinot failed, it was bought by Donnet.
- Until 1969, at the start of the race, Le Mans drivers had to run across the racetrack to their cars.
- The worst accident in Le Mans history occurred in 1955 when Pierre Levegh's Mercedes rammed the bank and exploded, killing Levegh instantly. The car flew into the packed grandstand killing more than 80 spectators.
- In 1934 Philippe "Phi Phi" Etancelin, driving an Alfa Romeo, set the Le Mans record for the fastest lap.
Contact Information:
www.lemans.org
Bugatti Facts:
- Ettore Bugatti (1881-1947), also known as "Le Patron," founded his own company in Alsace in 1909.
- The best-known Bugatti car was the Type 41, known as the "Golden Bugatti" or "La Royale."
- Jean Bugatti (1909-1939) followed in his father's footsteps and began designing cars at age 21.
- The younger Bugatti died in a test drive accident.
)
