DUFAUX RACE CAR
The Dufaux brothers, Charles and Frédéric, began manufacturing automobiles in Geneva in 1904. Their first vehicle was the Dufaux Race Car, which was built specially for the Gordon Bennett Cup, an international car race that took place every year. This exceptional model is fitted with the first eight-cylinder inline engine for road use.
POPP PATENT MOTOR CAR
A few years earlier, in 1898, Lorenz Popp manufactured this wonderful two-seater. Switzerland’s oldest car features a four-stroke, two-cylinder parallel engine and what is known as a hot-tube igniter. It is a development of the fififi rst Benz Patent Motor Car.
ON THE ROAD WITH EXPERTISE, CURIOSITY AND PASSION
The veteran car specialists René Gauch and Louis Frey are bringing these two automobiles from the museum’s collection back onto the road free of charge. With help from tools and techniques of the period, these two cars will shine in new splendor – though the marks of time won’t be hidden away. The experienced restorers share the same opinion: “Veteran cars are made to be driven.” Bernhard Taeschler, President of the Swiss Historic Vehicle Federation, thinks so too: “When they are driven, historical cars become true cultural artifacts. That’s exactly why these precious pieces of history were built – and in Switzerland!” The crowning moment of the restoration project will be the participation of the Popp Patent Motor Car and the Dufaux Race Car in the “London to Brighton Veteran Car Run”.
«LONDON TO BRIGHTON - VETERAN CAR RUN» - TAKING PART IS EVERYTHING
What began in 1896 with 33 cars has since grown to an event featuring 500 veteran cars from around the world. Only vehicles built before 1905 can participate. Those who do take part drive these
cars of yesteryear at walking pace, battling the elements from London to Brighton. A truly unforgettable experience! For some, it is a family tradition. For others, it’s a chance to take the pace of everyday
life down a gear. There are also those that just love the technology from the era. More than half a million spectators follow the parade in person every year. Those who reach Brighton in their
veteran cars within the allotted time receive an award – it doesn’t matter what order the participants fi nish in.
HELP US REACH OUR DONATION TARGET OF CHF 44 500:
- Replacement parts: CHF 14,000
- Materials: CHF 2,000
- Work of further specialists: CHF 12,000
- Documentation: CHF 1,500
- Transport: CHF 10,000
- Reserves: CHF 5,000
Total: CHF 44'500.-
WHAT YOU RECEIVE IN RETURN:
- Restoration publication for donations from CHF 500
- Visit to the veteran car workshop of René Gauch or Louis Frey for donations from CHF 1,000
- Exclusive test drive for donations from CHF 5,000
Donation reference: «London to Brighton»
IBAN CH91 3077 8143 2846 4201 1
