1906 Darracq Type XX – Auction Car of the Week

We really do cater to all tastes here at Car & Classic. After an Alfa? We’ve got you covered. Want a Wankel? No problem. Looking for a Lancia? Step this way. But what if your wheelhouse is a little more niche? What if your heart desires something a little older, a little more ornate, a little more… turn of the century, ultra rare French two-seater museum piece? Well look no further ladies and gentlemen because we have just the car for you in the form of this 1906 Darracq Type XX, and isn’t it just stunning?

A lot of pre-war, Edwardian-era auto manufacturers were only around for a few years and then dipped but A Darracq and Company Limited, as it was known at the time after changing its name from the original French A Darracq et Cie following its sale to a British company in 1902, managed to prosper. Owner and founder Alexandre Darracq was an accomplished engineer as well as a shrewd businessman who sold his previous bicycle factory to concentrate on building powered modes of transport in 1897, with the company’s first small car arriving three years later. Powered by a 785cc single cylinder engine it would pave the way for Darracq and within two years it was producing four models, from a single cylinder to two twins and a four-pot. There was also the flagship ‘Flying Fifteen’ which was praised for its quality and was a popular model, increasing Darracq’s share of the French automobile market and putting the company well and truly on the map.

The model we have available via our auctions platform is a 1906 Type XX. Thought to be one of only four surviving examples (the other three are scattered across Europe with one in Italy, one in France and one in Belgium’s Mahy Collection) this particular car is powered by a twin-cylinder, 8hp engine that will allow the Darracq to travel comfortably at 30mph. Said to start easily on the crank and with no play in the steering the mechanics are in perfect condition and the car benefits from a recent oil change to boot.

Located in France and previously ensconced in a motor museum in Reims, before moving to a smaller museum in Vendée, the car was lovingly restored in the ’90s by a retired mechanics teacher and now presents in spectacular condition throughout. The beautiful burgundy and primrose paint was re-applied as part of the restoration process and although there is some slight cosmetic wear to areas such as the springs and hood rests the overall condition of the bodywork is excellent. This car lives in a garage under a protective cover but it does get used, which is a good thing because if it didn’t it would certainly be a lot more cranky as oppose to the perrfect running and driving condition it currently enjoys.

All of the marvelous period features are still present and correct, from the acetylene lamps and kerosene lanterns to the serpentine bulb horn and eagle mascot on the radiator cap. The car also comes with an as-new hood and removable windscreen by Huillier.

The leather upholstery still looks as good as new and the varnished wood dash (featuring a very early odometer by R. & L. Picard of Paris) and steering wheel complement the seats and polished brass beautifully. A large wicker trunk is installed behind the seats, along with a period-appropriate umbrella holder. In addition to the the hood a canvas tonneau cover is also included so if the weather turns inclement in the middle of the London to Brighton run you’ll be covered. Quite literally.

This Darracq Type XX may look like a giant toy car but it is anything but a novelty plaything. It represents a remarkable period in the grand automotive time frame when the motorcar was just finding its feet and remains a beautiful example of early nineteenth century engineering. Comprehensively restored and mechanically sound we think this is one of the best and rarest Edwardian-era cars currently on the market. It’s served its time in museums, it now deserves to be driven and enjoyed again. What a wonderful thing.