Dear Ultimatecarpage.com visitor,
More than any other engine, the V12 has achieved a legendary status. It combines a glorious soundtrack with a spectacular record on both road and track. Although Ferrari is by far the best known manufacturer of V12s, they were not the first nor the last to go the V12 route. Today we take a look at three not so well known, but hugely interesting applications of the V12 engine.
In the early 1920s Delage was one of the first manufacturers to try the V12. It is commonly accepted that the 2LCV Grand Prix car captured Enzo Ferrari's interest and twenty years later convinced him to fit his first car with a similar engine. The rare Delage uses a beautiful sculpted V12, which turned out to look a lot better than it performed. Our article shows a rare survivor of the five built in action.
In the 1930s high-end manufacturers adopted the V12 engine and among them was Lagonda. Their bespoke V12 was designed by none other than W.O. Bentley. Although the V12 Lagonda was intended as a luxurious road car, Bentley was asked to turn it into a Le Mans racer. Reluctantly he developed the light weight and slippery V12 Le Mans for the 1939 edition. Finishing had top priority and the drivers were told stick to a safe pace. Nevertheless the featured example finished second and after the race the drivers were convinced that they could have easily won. Unfortunately they would not get a chance to prove that the next year.
The least known of the three machines under scrutiny today is no doubt the OSCA Tipo G 4500. Constructed by the Maserati brothers early in 1951, the 4.5 litre unit had twin overhead camshafts and produced a hefty 330 bhp. It was originally intended to power a Gordini Formula 1 car (hence the G), but when the French funds dried up, it was offered as an upgrade for existing Maserati 4CLTs. Prince Bira was the only customer of the upgrade and immediately scored a victory with his Maserati/OSCA hybrid at Goodwood. The second of three engines was eventually fitted in a brand new OSCA Grand Prix car. It was only raced once at Monza. Both these machines are pictured in our 18-shot gallery.
Enjoy the links:
1923 - 1925 Delage 2LCV - Images, Specifications and Information
1939 Lagonda V12 Le Mans - Images, Specifications and Information
1951 OSCA Tipo G 4500 - Images, Specifications and Information
Regards,
Wouter Melissen