1927 Georges Irat Pourtout Cabriolet

The first automobile produced by the Georges Irat Company, the name of the founder, was the Model A which was shown at the 1921 Paris Automobile Salon. The vehicle was a stunning creation built to the highest level of craftsmanship and employing the best materials available. Luxury and detail were not overlooked in any regard. Under the long and graceful hood lay a 1988cc overhead valve engine that utilized roller lifters and force-feed lubrication. The engine was matted to a four-speed gearbox which sent power to the rear wheels. Servo-assisted brakes were used to keep the car in the driver's control. On all four corners of the vehicle were Rudge-Whitworth wheels.

The cars were much more than just luxury automobiles. Their superior engineering aided them in competition. They were entered into the inaugural 24 Hour LeMans race where they finished in a respectable 15th place overall. This was a true testament to the vehicle's capabilities and endurance.

Production of the Model A was slow but steady throughout the years. Around 100 to 200 vehicles were created each year with production lasting until 1929. The Model A was replaced by the Model 6A which featured a larger three-liter engine. The Model 6A was later replaced by the Model 6B which featured a 3.6-liter engine. Sales for this vehicle were not very strong. A Lycoming-based flathead eight-cylinder unit was later utilized to increase the horsepower of the vehicle even further. The engine size was 4.5-liter and an engine cover proudly stated 'Irat-Huit', which meant 'Irat-Eight.' As the Great Depression neared, the luxury car industry slowed considerably. Even with the increase in engine size and boost in horsepower, sales for the Georges Irat were dismal.

The Georges Irat responded to the declining luxury car market by creating a lower priced, 1100-cc Ruby engined roadster. The hope was to appeal to a wider market, which worked and help the company generate more income during this devastating point in history.

Though many companies halted production of the automobile during World War II, the Georges Irat company continued. A few electric automobiles were created but nothing of great significance. A few prototypes were constructed after the war but the momentum never returned to the company. Production was minimal and nearly non-existent until the company closed its doors in 1953 and ceased production.

This 1927 Georges Irat Cabriolet is powered by a four-cylinder, two-liter overhead valve engine which is matted to a four-speed gearbox. Four-wheel servo-assist brakes provide the stopping power. It is a one-off custom-built roadster created by Pourtout. Carrosserie Marcel Pourtout began creating custom coach bodies for vehicles in 1925. His business was based in Bougival, a suburb of Paris. Within a few short years, his company created custom bodies for over 450 cars for marques such as Darl'Mart, Bugatti, Delage, Voisin, Hispano-Suiza, and Talbot-Lago.

This vehicle was shown at the 1927 Paris Automobile Salon and carried a price take of 135,000 francs. This was a very large fortune at the time.

It has been shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it was awarded Third Place in the European Classic Category. It was offered for sale at the 2006 Gooding & Company Auction held in Pebble Beach where it was estimated to sell between $200,000-$300,000. It was offered with a reserve, which was not met, and the car left the auction unsold.

In 2007 it was brought to the Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $150,000 - $180,000. The car again carried a reserve which was dropped and the vehicle was sold for $148,500 including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007

This car was exhibited at the 1927 Paris Automobile Salon. The body is by Pourtout and is one of two built but they were not identical.

The car was engineered by Maurice Gaultier (from Delage) with a 4-cylinder, overhead valve engine with 1988cc or 2-liters. It has a four-speed transmission, a 12-volt electrical system, and four-wheel servo brakes.

This car sold new for 135,000 Francs, which was the equivalent of eighteen 7CV Citroens.

The company slogan was 'Car of the Elite.'