1930 DuPont Model G LeMans Speedster

In 1802 E.I. duPont deNemours and Company were formed to produce gunpowder. It was located in Wilmington, Delaware. From there is began producing various industrial and consumer products.

In 1919 the duPont car Company was formed by E. Paul duPont. During the First World War, it produced marine engines. In 1919 the Model A was displayed at the New York International Auto Show, held at the Commodore Hotel. The Auto Show at that time was by invitation only and catered to wealthy individuals. Sitting atop a 3150 mm wheelbase and powered by a four-cylinder engine, the Model A was built as a luxury and exclusive automobile, outfitted with exquisite coachwork including Murphy, Merrimac, and Wolfington.

From 1920 through 1924 the duPont Car Company produced their Model B, a vehicle that was similar to the Model A. The total production of the Model A and Model B was less than 120 units, a testament to their exclusivity. Each of the vehicles was tested by E. Paul and the new owners were carefully instructed on the use and features of the automobile.

In 1923 the Model C was introduced. It was powered by a six-cylinder Continental engine. This model was soon replaced by the Model D powered by a six-cylinder Wisconsin engine. In 1927 the Model E was introduced. It experimented with supercharging the engine but did not meet the desired results. The following year the Model F was introduced sitting atop a 3454 mm wheelbase. Production was low with only three being built. During the same year, the Model G was introduced, sitting atop a larger chassis measuring 3851 mm. It was powered by an eight-cylinder Continental engine and produced 125 horsepower. A two-passenger speedster version of the Model G was produced and intended to compete in the grueling 24-Hours of LeMans but was deemed ineligible because it did not have four seats. To comply with the requirement, duPont began constructing two four-passenger speedsters however only one was ready in time for the race. The duPont speedster managed to run eighth place before crashing. To commemorate this effort, duPont introduced the LeMans model in 1930.

From 1930 through 1931, duPont produced the Model H. This was also produced in low numbers, with only three created. It used a Stearns-Knight frame that had been lengthened to a wheelbase of 3683 mm.

The Great Depression was ultimately the reason for the demise of the luxury car manufacturer, duPont. During the production lifespan lasting from 1919 through 1931, only 537 duPont automobiles were produced.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2006