In October 1901 Joseph Delin sadly passed away and the company closed. The estate was sold to the chief engineer Eugène Matthieu, who for a few years would produce its Automoteurs Mathieu motorcycles and cars and in 1901 Belgian Kelecom-Antoine blocks were used.
Car number 4, is one of only 3 survivors and is one of the two that were in the Sotheby’s sale of the significant AWF Smith collection based in Cross in Hand in East Sussex in 1968. The previous owner took part in the London to Brighton in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. It is believed the car also participated on the London to Brighton in the 1950s and 1970s.
The engine is reported to be in excellent condition, having undergone a complete overhaul. It is rated at 6.5-8hp and fitted with a new automatic valve, balanced flywheel, new aluminium sump, and straightening shafts. All bearings have been replaced, all gear pinions were changed, also new wheel rims and spokes were fitted. It is fair to say that this veteran motorcar has been maintained regardless of cost.
The owner has described the engine to be in excellent condition - documentation states the car achieves around 34mph.
The body and chassis are said to be in excellent order, with the interior, transmission and paint stated as being in good condition. Finished in maroon with contrasting red pin-striping and boasting many nice touches such as carbide lights, unusually for such an early motor car the Delin features a practical windscreen to help keep the elements at bay.
Supplied with a UK V5 document, this turn-key Brighton Run car is eligible for many other events, and we are sure will prove to be a highly collectible motor car.
 
View 1901 Delin 4HP Voiturette on www.coys.co.uk for further details.