The roaring twenties an era of economic prosperity the years when the sky was the limit. People started dancing on Jazz music, the fashion become more exciting and modern. People started enjoying life in a modern way, as we have today. The era that evolved motorsport to a new standard, professional and serious. Car manufacturers started in both the States, Australia and Europe investing serious money in motorsport. Via this platform, they were able to show the world what their cars could do. Grand Prix driving would never be the same again after World War I. The sport had more flair, more passion and became an elite sport. Time to see which unraced cars 1925 brought us.
As the 1925 Grand Prix season happened 100 years ago, the information regarding unraced Grand Prix Cars, stillborn projects and so on is hard to find. The information in old Magazines and newspapers is just a little to complete the big picture. Neither are there really books from that era. Same goes for the race reports. The search now is mostly on entry reports and the books I own from Grand Prix and Voiturette Racing. Therefore, it could be I miss some projects, if this is the case let me know.
Turcat-Méry UG
Turcat-Méry was a French car manufacturer founded by Simon Méry and Léon Turcat in Marseille in 1899. Previously In 1896 Méry and Turcat worked on their first experimental car. The company closed its doors in 1928. In the early days of their existence they understood that publicity would only be generated by entering races Henri-Louis Rougier was at the time their driver. Their first victory was in 1902 near Aix-en-Provence where a race was held. Later in 1911, the company won the first edition of the Monte Carlo Rally, where 23 cars were participating. Fast-forward to 1924, in that year the company appeared with the type UG. The car won plenty of Hill-climb races that year.
The idea was to modify the cars for Grand Prix Racing as well. EventuallyThe plan was to debut the car during the Grand Prix de Provence in Miramas the 8th of March 1925. Three drivers appeared on the start-list Grosson, Notin and Lacouture. However, for unknown reasons the cars did not appear. A second attempt was made for the I Grand Prix de Comminges at St. Gaudens the 6th of September 1925. Francois Barthelemy was on the entry list as their driver. However, the Turcat-Méry UG would not arrive again.
O’Day Special-Bugatti
Sadly nothing much is known about the O’Day Special-Bugatti from Leon Cushman. Though probably this was a Bugatti T22, where he completed four races with a year previously. The car was on the entry list for the 1925 II Grand Prix de l’Ouverture held the 17th of May 1925 at Montlhéry.
E.H.P.-Ruby
Etablissements Henri Precloux was a French car manufacturer that was specialised in cars used to race with. Henri Predoux founded the company in 1921 based in in La Garenne-Colombes. Not much is known about their entries in 1925. Maurice Benoist was to race the II Grand Prix de l’Ouverture held the 17th of May 1925 at Montlhéry. However, E.H.P. did not appear with a car. A second entry was made for the V Junior Car Club “200” held the 29th of September 1925 at Brooklands. James Radley was the driver, though they did not arrive. The question is which car did they entered for both races before withdrew? It could be the DT Speciale, only a few were made of this Sportscar. The company closed their doors eventually in 1929.
Philippi Special
Filippo Marsegno from Rome appeared on the entry list for the 1925 II Grand Prix de l’Ouverture held the 17th of May 1925 at Montlhéry. In 1924, he appeared twice at the start of a race. Sadly, there is no information about the Philippi Special.
AS or MS-Chapuis-Dornier
It is not clear if the correct name is AS Chapuis-Dornier or MS Chapuis-Dornier. Chapuis-Dornier was a French car-engine manufacturer established in 1904 near Puteaux. While the focus for the company was mostly on their engines in 1921, the company came with their first prototype car.
They appeared on the entry list for the V Grand Prix de Boulogne held the 29th of August 1925 at Boulogne. Lemaire was their driver.Sadly, there are only bits and pieces of information about the car. It could be that it is actually a different car fitted with a Chapuis-Dormier engine.
Cottin-Desgouttes
Cottin-Desgouttes was a French automobile manufacturer established in 1905 in Lyons by Pierre Desgouttes and Cyril Cottin. The company was known for their robust and high-quality build of their cars. Therefore, the company was expanding their models during the year. Besides that, they were also successful in hill-climbs and sprint races. For 1925, it seems they build a Formula Libre as they were on the entry list for the I Grand Prix de Comminges at St. Gaudens held the 6th of September 1925. Nicolle (according to the books) was their driver. However, the team did not appear in St. Gaudens. It is guessing which car they had. Eventually the company closed its doors in the mid-1930s when the competition from America became too big.
Malcolm Campbell Spl-Bugatti
Sir Malcolm Campbell was a well-known motoring journalist and motorist. Well known for gaining the world speed records on land and wat various times. While he was in 1927 and 1928 active in the Grand Prix Racing, his first attempt was in 1925. With a Bugatti special he appeared on the entry list for the V Junior Car Club “200” at Brooklands held the 29th of September 1925. However, he did not appear at the circuit.
