Description
1901 International Charette 6HP Double Phaeton
Engine No. 62
Engine Displacement. 823
VCC Dated
8 time London to Brighton finisher
The International Motor Car Company, of London, England, was not related in any way to the more famous International Harvester Company of the United States. Nor did they build this car, or rather any cars at all. The products of the British International concern were built to their order by firms in France and England and then given the International name and proudly sold in the United Kingdom.
The Charette was manufactured in Coventry by the Allard Company, which had previously built tricycles and cars under their own label from 1899 until 1902, using engines based on the tried-and-true de Dion design. This model featured a water-cooled engine that was mounted in the front (still very advanced for 1901) and drove the rear wheels via two leather belts. Other features of the vehicle were a 6 bhp, 823 cc single-cylinder engine, two-speed belt-drive transmission, solid axle front and rear suspension with leaf-spring suspension, and rear-wheel mechanical drum brakes. The Wheelbase was 63 in.
Notes in the file indicate that this car was owned by John Moir, owner of many obscure and wonderful cars in the US. This Charette was sold new at the London Motor Show to a Mr. Driver. It remained in his family until the 1960s, when his daughter rescued its pieces from storage and its engine from use powering a saw and then reached out to the Veteran Car Club for advice in restoration. The car was then restored in its present finish and upholstery and was dated as a 1901 by the VCC, allowing it to be driven eight times in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. Three of those journeys were with British enthusiast Andrew Simpson and his wife, who named the car “Annabelle” and from whom Mr. Moir purchased the car.
Early British cars of this era are a real rarity and obscure, individual cars like this are what make the London to Brighton Run such an interesting event. Having completed the LTBR in 2024, this car is now available for purchase with a 2025 entry already fully paid for.
Please note this car is sold on behalf of an owner based in Europe and therefore the car will be subject to the relevant import taxes at the prevailing rates if sold in the United Kingdom.
£68, 500 GBP.
