Lot 021: 1927 CHENARD ET WALCKER F1 TWO SEAT DROPHEAD COUPE

Although, Chenard et Walcker had exhibited a motorcar as early as the 1901 Paris Salon, it was not until the 1920s that the (by then) Gennevilliers-based firm became recognised as one of France's premier marques. Renowned for winning the first ever Le Mans 24-hour race in May 1923 (ahead of Bentley, La Lorraine Dietrich and Bugatti opposition) with a team of 3-litre OHC cars, Chenard et Walcker also took 1st and 2nd places in the 2-litre class at Le Sarthe the following year. Necessarily less specialised, the firm's road cars were nevertheless beautifully engineered and often featured the same servo-assisted front-wheel brakes as their competition siblings. Sold in the UK via Archie Simons & Co of The Philarmonic Hall and 94 Great Portland St, London (Sole Concessionaire), the anglicised 1925 model range included 11.22hp, 12.25hp, 2-litre, 3-litre and 14/60 models. Despite a link-up with Delahaye that lasted between 1927 and 1931, Chenard et Walcker's fortunes started to wane during the 1930s. With the bowed head of its eagle mascot looking increasingly portentous, the once proud firm was absorbed by Peugeot in 1946. Finished in red over black with beige cloth upholstery, this particular right-hand drive example is described by the vendor as being in "average" condition with regard to its 1795cc four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres (while, he notes that the doors are "pinholed"). Sadly, little is known about the Chenard et Walcker's history prior to entering the current ownership in December 1998 (though, it is assumed to have been imported sometime during the post-WW2 period). Thought to have acquired its rather quaint fabric-covered drophead coupe plus dickey seat coachwork as part of an earlier restoration, 'DS 7631' is said to have been "little used" over the past nine years. Benefiting from a centre gearchange, conventional throttle pedal layout, coil ignition, inlaid wood veneers and wind-up windows, the car rides on disc wheels. Reportedly treated to a "new exhaust last year", this rare yet charming French Vintageant is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until September 27th 2007 and historic class (free) road tax until September 30th 2007. PLEASE NOTE: Since the catalogue went to press we have been kindly informed that 'DS 7631' is a Chenard et Walcker F1. The F1 model was introduced in March 1927 but only lasted for a couple of seasons.