Delage 2LCV (1923)

Delage 2LCV (1923)

1984cc (51.3x80) 24 valve DOHC 60° V12
4 Zenith carburettors
2 Scintilla magnetos
765 x 105 Michelin tyres

The lone wolf of the Tours Grand Prix the Delage 2LCV initially turned out to be a sheep in wolf's clothing, retiring on lap 8 with what were claimed to be fuel tank problems - reportedly a cover story for overheating problems, common in cars of this era but probably exacerbated by the Delage's rushed if innovative engine development.

Charles Planchon, the engine designer, is reported to have warned that his novel V12 design would not be ready after just 120 days of development and been overruled by company owner and founder Louis Delage who wanted to use the French Grand Prix as publicity for his cars. When Planchon's foresight was shown to be correct Delage sacked him and replaced him with assistant Albert Lory, who oversaw the engine's further development into a powerful and successful Grand Prix winner. The fact that Delage and Planchon were cousins may have made for some frosty family gatherings in later years.

Driven by Rene Thomas - veteran racer, 1914 Indianapolis 500 winner, pilot (and in 1910 participant in the world's first mid-air collision) - the Delage led at the race start but was quickly overtaken by a FIAT, retiring in fifth place. For the moment it was another of the Tours Grand Prix's also-rans that also showed the first signs of future success and technological development in Grand Prix racing.