The Magazine

About Quiz # 314: 1923 Bignan 2L Sport 11CV

Either you instantly recognized our quiz car or you didn’t. And looking at the many correct answers we received, it was obvious to most that it was a Bignan. These cars were known for their square radiator with a winged stork on top, which could be vaguely seen in the picture. Our quiz car is a 1923 Bignan 11Cv DESMO Sports. The engine is a 2L single OHC with Desmodromique valves, i.e. the valves are positively closed mechanically, not relying on springs. The model is also unusual in that it has servo-assisted brakes on the front wheels only. Many told us a lot about the history of the Bignan and its creator Jacques Bignan, but only two could tell us that the picture was taken in 1925 during the ‘Côte des 17 tournants’ (a hill climb near Dampierre in the Chevreuse Valley). They were Nicolas Boissier and Pascal Rousselle. Since Nicolas is a jurymember this week’s prize goes to Pascal, who even came up with our main picture showing the same Bignan from a different angle. Congratulations Pascal! The PreWarCar T-shirt will be on its way. See ‘Read More’ for the list of all entrants that had the make ‘Bignan’ correct.
(photos collection Karl Ludvigsen Library and collection Pascal Rousselle)

Saturday, 28 January 2012

A Belgian (?) Mystery car (Esculape / La Mouche)

Last week Guy Mahy used this very picture to illustrate his 'wanted advert' for a pre-1901 car. Several reactions came in by mail within 24 hrs. Unfortunately not succesful up to now.
Guy writes: “But this picture shows a mystery car indeed. A relative of mine found a glass-plate picture in an old house in Verviers (Belgium) and scanned it. I suppose this could be a Belgian car as there were some manufacturers in that region. Up to now suggestions were made as to Linon and Duryea, built by "Construction Liègeoise" but the few pictures we have do not match. The lamps, steering and the outfit of the very serious person suggests that we are at the turn of the century or a bit earlier. When enlarging the picture one can see that the car is chain driven and on the side of the engine there is a "De Dion" like logo. But as far as I know all De Dion engines show the make in full letters, and not the logo. Maybe this statement is not right and it could be a make with a De Dion engine. Can someone help? Perhaps if someone knows the driver this could help as well!”

Friday, 27 January 2012

'Worth a detour.'

An Edwardian supercar. The incredible 6 cylinder, 8,8 litre 3,75 meter wheelbased Delaunay-Bellevile with Torpedo body by Rothchild & Cie will be one of the truly amazing cars at Retromobile. This is the kind of motorcar that in itself is a reason to go to Paris. It is the kind of car that makes the Paris show stand out from the crowd. Some will say it's a truck. Others will say that it is one of the very best of what Europe made before WWI. But no matter what the diverging parties say, they both will suffer from deep dropping jaws in direct confrontation with this surviving eight wheeled dinosaur that was originally commisioned by a a member of the Michelin family, Mr Edward Daubree.  Many words have been printed about this amazing car already, but we were just glad to find a little detail not found elsewhere. 1913 was the year that when Delaunay-Belleville changed from artillery to spoke wheels. Not so with this car. Was it just to hold up the weight? It seems that marketing motivations may have been the background. 1913 is also the year in which Michelin introduced the pressed steel disc wheel. Well on this car you can see where the first eight wheels went. When you click the mainphoto you will see the car in its original livery. It looks like the wheels had the same colour as the body giving it a less heavy, more elegant appearance.
For lots more words and photos history check Lot 322  in next week's sale by Artcurial at Rétromobile. The lucky and without doubt wealthy new owner will not only do a grand favour to himself. The result of the sale will go to a foundation created by the last owner, Patrick de Brou de Laurièr, for research against cancer, alzheimer and parkinson.   (photos courtesy Artcurial).

Now if your budget is slightly more limited, you can get a marvellous 1911 Dealaunay-Belleville HB4 at something like half the money at the Bonhams auction.

Thursday, 26 January 2012

Milk the White Motor (by Piet Kooij)

Many of you will recognise - even from a small detail - the very well travelled Hotchkiss AM2 owned by long time friend Thomas Rudolf from Strasbourg, France. We reported earlier about his long Scandinavian and Anglosaxon tours. Few cars at this ripened age have seen so many miles.  Be sure to check for instance his 2007 (6758 km) summer tour, or the 2006 (6366 km) tour. It's not only driving his car. When carefull servicing is required, Thomas will spend half of the winter in his garage taking care for a gearbox or whatever is needed. With the time remaining he maintains the Hotchkiss Europe world with a Hotchkiss forum and much-much more.

For headline competitors. After publication of this feature, you have 24 hours time to come up with one or more lines that fit best with the above picture. You can post your caption under 'Add Comment'. The best sender will be rewarded with a PreWarCar brass plate.

This weeks best line was by Piet Kooy who refers to a Dutch milk campaign from the nineties 'Melk de Witte Motor' ,  check Youtube for how fast milk can be..!

Wednesday, 25 January 2012