1908 LORRAINE-DIETRICH TYPE FM 6,4L COURSE 28/35CV

French title
Chassis n° 2141
Engine n° FM2141

• Authentic racing model with large engine
• Exceptional restoration to original specification
• Barn find in Argentina (with photos)

Lorraine-Dietrich is best known for its victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which it won in both 1925 and 1926, demonstrating its cars’ performance and endurance. These were not its first appearances in motorsport, as the cars - still simply called De Dietrich - took part from 1898 in the great city-to-city races, such as from Paris-Amsterdam- Paris or Paris-Madrid, before the prestigious events such as the Gordon Bennett Cup. Founded in Lunéville in 1897, the car-making branch of De Dietrich began by building cars under licence from Amédée Bollée. To bring its production up to date, it turned next to Turcat-Méry; from 1906, the marque changed its name to Lorraine-Dietrich and established its factories in Argenteuil. Its cars were known for their high build quality, giving them a much appreciated longevity.
The catalogue for 1908 featured different types of chassis, from 14HP to 75/80HP, the latter suitable for heavy landaulet or limousine-type bodies. The car we are presenting, a 28/35HP model, has a sports body with two bucket seats and a racing- style tail, as it was described at the time. These rare models were sold new to ‘gentlemen drivers’ or lovers of speed and motorsport to take part in Grands Prix or the various races held at the
beginning of the last century.
The steering column was angled at 35° and the car had a chain- drive transmission. Their build quality was outstanding: all the parts were handmade and most of them individually numbered. The origin of this example is not known, other than that it was sold new in Argentina. On the other hand, it is remarkable that this historic car was discovered in original condition at the back of a shed in Argentina in the 1990s. As can be seen from the photos taken when it was found, it had doors and a rear fairing, but was complete and had been stored on stands. It was then sold as found to its current owner, one of the earliest collectors, through another enthusiast. The restoration project was extraordinary and after several years of painstaking work, the car returned to its former glory, with many of the period parts remade, most of them numbered. The result is extremely impressive. Most of the parts were kept, giving the car a unique appearance.
The bulkhead was restored; only the wings, which were too badly damaged, had to be remade to the highest standards.
This is a tremendous example of this prestigious sporting marque, from a time just a few years after the birth of the car, when racing drivers were heroes, constantly seeking speed and performance. This Racing-model Lorraine may be compared to the Mercer 35R Raceabout from the same period: they developed similar power and were rivals on the racetrack before 1914.

Photo © Jonathan Yarden.

The auction of this lot will take place on Friday 18 March.
https://www.artcurial.com/fr/lot-1908-lorraine-dietrich-type-fm-64l-course-2835cv-4134-138