Class A - Participants 2004

1920-1929: Open & Closed Cars "Les années folles"

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02. Hispano-Suiza H6, 1920
6 Zylinder in linea, 6597 cm³

Body: Skiff Torpedo, Labourdette
Entrant: Georges Kolb (CH)

The Hispano’s original owner in 1935 was the famous aviator, Suzanne Deutsch de la Meurthe. The car then passed into the hands of some Parisien students who crossed Africa from North to South in the vehicle, abandoning it in Kenya on the way back. Following its discovery in 1960, an English tourist brought it back to Europe and years later, its current owner had it completely restored.

04. Rolls-Royce Silver-Ghost, 1924
6 Zylinder in linea, 7428 cm³

Body: Torpedo, Million-Guiet
Entrant: Kumiko Goto Alesi (F)

The Silver Ghost is considered to be one of the most prestigious vehicles ever produced. Only 6,173 were built between 1906 and 1925, It is a true masterpiece; its silence and elegance have made it legendary and have won it the status of “favourite” among maharajas, celebrities and heads of state.

06. Rolls-Royce Phantom I, 1926
Zylinder in linea, 7668 cm³

Body: Open Hunting Car, Barker
Entrant: Virtor Müller (NL)

Barker coachwork goes back to 1710, when an officer of the Royal Guard founded a coachbuilding company in London. He went on to become a recognised supplier to the Royal household. It was prevalently on Rolls-Royce chassis that Barker chose to express the art of coachwork. His reputation helped him secure numerous orders from Arab countries.

08. Lancia Lambda, 1927
4 Zylinder a V, 2570 cm³

Body: Berlina Sedan, Stabilimenti Farina
Entrant: Lukas Waldis (CH)

The legendary Lambda is the masterpiece of Vincenzo Lancia. First discovered at the Paris Motor Show and then in London in October 1922, it bewitched the experts with its ground-breaking technology. Built in 9 different variations, it was the first vehicle equiped with a self-bearing bodywork, independent front suspension, and a fast V-engine.

10. Cadillac 355 B, 1932
8 Zylinder a V, 5784 cc

Body: Coupé-Cabriolet, standard
Entrant: Paul Walter (CH)

Longer and lower, one of the things for which the 1932 Cadillac coachwork is recognised is its convertible hood with six folds. The long, trumpet-shaped horns are positioned beneath the headlights. Mechanically speaking, this model increases power output significantly to 115 HP. The total number of 1932 V8 models produced was 2,700 units.

12. Cadillac 341 A 1928
8 Zylinder a V, 5600 cm³

Body: Phaeton Dual Cowl, Fisher
Entrant: Jan de Boer (NL)

You just cannot be indifferent to the harmony and grandeur of this Cadillac, choice of the rich and famous during the “decadent” years. There is a real feeling of luxuriousness and refinement which place this model above any other vehicle of the age; its embroidered interiors and soft carpets, braiding and cabin embellishments only go to emphasise these aspects.

14. Mercedes-Benz SS, 1928
6 Zylinder in linea, 7065 cm³

Body: 2 Seat Roadster, Ulec
Entrant: Eberhard Layher (D)

Only 115 Mercedes SS W06 were produced between 1928 and 1935. The majority of these chassis were clothed in special coachwork as in the case of this Roadster, produced by Ulec from Prague. This original Czecheslovakian ‘S’ version was transformed, as was common practice at the time, into an ‘SS’ in 1934.

16. Cord L-29, 1929
8 Zylinder in linea, 4934 cm³

Body: Convertible, Cord
Entrant: René Verbiest (B)

The Cord L-29 was manufactured at the wish of the 35 year old automobile magnate, Errett Lobban Cord and holds the title of the first American vehicle with front wheel drive. It was launched right in the middle of the economic depression, days after the Wall St. Crash and met with no success. Production ceased in 1932.

18. Mercedes-Benz 460 Nürburg, 1929
8 Zylinder in linea, 4622 cm³

Body: Pullmann Limousine, Mercedes-Benz
Entrant: Erich Haller (CH)

In 1928, Daimler-Benz presented the Nürburg 460 model tuned by Ferdinand Porche. Although the engine was not particularly technically refined, its performance was nonetheless adequate. The famous champion, Rudolf Caracciola chose a Nürburg convertible for his travels in Europe. The limited production ceased with 2,893 chassis.

20. Isotta-Fraschini 8AS, 1929
8 Zylinder in linea, 7370 cm³

Body: Coupé de Ville, Castagna
Entrant: Luciano Nicolis (I)

The colours and exquisite materials used in its cabin allowed the Isotta-Fraschini 8AS to hold its own against the more prestigious brand names. Numerous maharajas remained loyal to the brand and became its greatest advert. The scene in Sunset Boulevard featuring Gloria Swanson, E. v. Stroheim and William Holden is an unforgettable one for cinema lovers.

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