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1930 Tracta Model E

Coupe by Henri Le Moine
Chassis number: 695
Engine number: 9F-22-145224

This rare and stylish Tracta Type E was built in 1930. It features a six-cylinder, 2.7-liter, 65-horsepower engine built by Continental and driving through the front wheels.

There were approximately 50 Tracta Es made and the history of this particular car is unknown. The Tracta was in excellent condition when it was purchased by the present owners. It was located in France and had traveled less than 60,000 miles at that time.

The color scheme is original, in black, dark blue, and French racing blue. The radiator is German silver and never covered in nickel or chrome. There are only two remaining Tracta Es in the world. The only other known Tract E, a roadster, with a replica body by Chapron, is in Le Man's museum.

Jean Albert Gregoire designed the Tracta Model A and drove an example in the 1929 24 Hour of LeMans, winning the one-liter class. It was a revolutionary vehicle, being one of the first pre-War cars to feature front-wheel drive. Following the success of the Model A FWD configuration, the Model E was soon introduced. It was produced from 1930 through 1931, with around (at most) 50 examples produced. Some believe that only ten examples were created. Power was from a 2.7-liter Continental six-cylinder engine and offered 65 horsepower.

There are only two known Model E's in existence. This vehicle wears coachwork by Henri LeMoine and is currently in the Tampa Bay Auto Museum. The other example is a roadster with a replica body by Chapron, which resides in the Pechiney Collection in the museum in Le Mans, France.

The Tracta Company was in business for only a short period. The Great Depression, coupled with other European manufacturers using their designs without paying for them, made it difficult for the company to stay competitive and earn a profit.

by Dan Vaughan