[Matra et Alpine]

One BIG NO to ever guess so far.

Some more hints .....

Through the years ********** participated in all types of competition. Noteworthy events included: around-the-world endurance trials (1910-1912), visit to all the state capitols (1916), 1932 Indianapolis 500 race (finished 5th) and many local endurance-type competitions.
The first police car for Detroit was a 1910 *********. The US Army used **********in WW I as General staff cars to visit the front lines, and as ambulances. Train/car race from Capetown to Johannesburg, South Africa in 1924 (Train won the race). Train/car rematch race in 1990, (Car won this time).

I love the last part. It raises the question if this was because the roads were better or the rails and trains worse