1902 Delahaye Type OA Tourer

The first Delahaye appeared in Paris in 1895 as a rear engine design. 1902 was the debut of the first front-engine model. This Delahaye OA is one of two survivors from a total production of only two hundred that year.

It was rescued from under a pile of apple crate firewood where it had been stored by the original owner's family for over five decades. It was found in the Calvados region of France, where it had been resting for over 80 years.

It is entirely original, including the body with the exception of the front floor. The 1330cc engine has a single cylinder producing eight horsepower. The horizontally mounted engine was designed by Amadee Varlet, who played a key role in the early days of Delahaye's success. The transmission is a three-speed belt-driven unit that drives both rear wheels with massive chains.

The restoration was done in the United Kingdom and completed around 2006. It completed the London-to-Brighton Veteran Car Run in just four hours. It was added to the current owner's collection in 2012.