<< Prev Page 2 of 2 The Delage's ladder frame, suspension and brakes were retained for the Bequet Special. Mounted in place of the sophisticated V12 was a tarmac shredding Hispano Suiza V8 almost six times the size of the Delage engine. Breathing through a Zenith carburettor and fitted with twin-spark ignition, it produced 180 bhp and a staggering 800+ Nm of torque. Modified where necessary, the lightweight body was draped back over the chassis. The new special tipped the scales at 875 kg compared to 690 kg for the original 2LCV.
Bequet debuted the car at the Spanish Grand Prix in July of 1926 but scratched his entry after he learnt he had to run with a minimum weight of 1,500 kg due to the engine's displacement. Fitted with a revised body, it was then raced by Coty in the Grand Prix de la Baule. After having to start four laps down, he finished a very close second to the eventual winner. Although very quick, the Delage Bequet was not raced in Grands Prix again as it strictly speaking did not comply with any contemporary regulations.
Bequet and Coty did retain the car and used it extensively on the road. It was also shown at the Paris Auto Salon in 1926. For that occasion, the original body had been refitted. It was subsequently fielded in minor events for several years, often with considerable success. The unique machine was eventually sold on in 1936 by the two partners. The Bequet Special has survived and today, it is one just three remaining 1923-1925 Delage Grand Prix cars.2 << Prev Page 2 of 2
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The Delage's ladder frame, suspension and brakes were retained for the Bequet Special. Mounted in place of the sophisticated V12 was a tarmac shredding Hispano Suiza V8 almost six times the size of the Delage engine. Breathing through a Zenith carburettor and fitted with twin-spark ignition, it produced 180 bhp and a staggering 800+ Nm of torque. Modified where necessary, the lightweight body was draped back over the chassis. The new special tipped the scales at 875 kg compared to 690 kg for the original 2LCV.