1900 Georges Richard Model 5 10HP Twin Cylinder

Registration No. BS8233
Car No. 114
Engine No. 91
VCC Dating Cert No. 2141

- Sole surviving Georges Richard Model 5
- 6 seat London to Brighton car
- Very early London to Brighton start time
- Powerful 10HP 2 Cylinder
- High quality French Marque

Georges Richard was a French racing driver and automobile industry pioneer. His first automobile manufacturing company was formed in 1897 Georges and his brother Maxim Richard. A key feature of the brothers enterprise (that grew from bicycle repair and manufacture) was their ability to offer a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects, something which at the time was highly appealing, but also caused a huge amount of trouble for the company.

Georges Richard was seen as one of the high quality manufacturers of the time that made the jump from the bicycle boom into motorcar production. Starting with a Voiturette in 1896, sold under the name ‘pony’ the company soon moved on with the times to produce more powerful vehicles before the brand name disappeared in 1902, to be replaced by Henri Brasier’s, Richard-Braiser.

The vehicle shown here, ‘BS8233’ is an example of the heavier construction, model 5, produced between 1899 and 1901 under the Vivinus License. The horizontally forward mounted engine drove a belt to the gearbox in the centre of the car and then to side chains to the rear wheels.

Fast forward to today and I am delighted to offer for sale this incredible example of automotive history, the sole surviving Georges Richard Model 5. Powered by a 10HP Twin Cylinder engine, able to carry 6 people and starting in the first 60 cars on the London to Brighton Run, this car is a real rarity. In fact it is totally unique.

In the same ownership since 1996 the car is now looking for a new custodian to continue its many successful completions of the London to Brighton Run. The car is in excellent, original condition throughout and is described as in running condition. As with all cars 124 years old, some recommissioning is likely to be required to achieve optimal performance however the car has completed a number of Brighton runs successfully in recent years.

To register an interest, please contact Tom Parrott