1909 Lorraine-Dietrich 16.4 Liter Grand Prix Racer

This 1909 Lorraine-Dietrich 16.4-Liter Grand Prix Two-Seater was the creation and inspiration of master craftsman Richard Scaldwell. It was built from an assembled group of Lorraine-Dietrich components gathered together over three decades. The rolling chassis, described as Lorraine-Dietrich and having registration number ST190, was subsequently proved to be a 60hp De-Dietrich imported and registered in Scotland in 1909. An original Lorraine-Dietrich racing chain drive gearbox was found and all the parts inside were stamped with the Cross of Lorraine and serial numbers. It has a 3 separate crown wheel and pinions, giving a direct drive for top and third gears and using a simple pair of spur gears for first and second. The front axle and several other parts including the steering box were acquired from Marcel Boutet at Depanoto in France. Additional parts, magnetos, and drive sprockets were sourced from Uwe Hucke, who had assembled parts for a 1905 De Deitrich race car project he was undertaking.

The engine was built from scratch using surviving Lorraine-Dietrich engines as a guide. Period components were used when possible, including a complicated oil pressure feed and scavenge system derived from the 1914/16 Indianapolis Sunbeam. There are early type 'double lock' Rudge-Whitworth wire-spoke wheels, original 35mm pitch chains driving the rear wheels, original rear wheel brakes, and a correct cone clutch.

The overhead valve four-cylinder displaces 16,387cc and is fitted with a single Updraft Zenith carburetor and delivers around 200 horsepower at 1,200 RPM. There is a four-speed Triple Pinion manual transmission, inboard rear brakes with expanding shoe wheel drums, and a semi-elliptic leaf springs suspension with a solid front axle and dual chain drive.

This Lorraine-Dietrich is fully registered in the UK on its original identity as ST190 and has been regularly used on the road for events and touring. It has been used on many long-distance continental tours including the west coast of Ireland, France, and Belgium. It was invited by Brooklands Museum to run in the historic re-opening of the re-instated start finish straight and has been a regular competitor at the Chateau Impney Hill Climb and Vintage Sports Car Club races where it has won three consecutive Edwardian Racing Trophy awards. It attended the Chantilly Concours celebration and Salon Privé at Blenheim Palace where it was awarded the 'People's Choice Award' by the ICJAG judges.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2023