Delahaye 107 Racer w/ 6.2L Gipsy Major Airplane Engine

Witness this exciting machine in action at the Kilomètre Lancé, hosted on the Engadin Airport runway in Switzerland - the awe-inspiring Delahaye 107 Racer. A project fueled by passion, Riccardo Beccarelli, the proud owner and driver hailing from OldtimergarageGR.ch, unveils a remarkable creation inspired by his love for automobiles.

The genesis of this endeavor traces back to the 1904 Premier Vanderbilt Cup Racer crafted by Carl Fisher, the visionary behind the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway established in 1909. With its mammoth 15-liter (923 cu. in.) four-cylinder engine, Fisher's creation served as the blueprint. Dubbed 'Delahaye 107,' Beccarelli's masterpiece commences its journey with a 1924 Delahaye chassis, meticulously sourced over 15 years to ensure authenticity. Underneath its hood roars a 6.2-liter, four-cylinder, air-cooled de Havilland Gipsy Major aircraft engine, evoking nostalgia for the biplane era. Initially conceptualized with a modified 6-cylinder inline Franklin car engine fueled by methanol, Beccarelli pivoted to the Gipsy Major, boasting approximately 150 horsepower and a rev limiter capped at 2,500 rpm. Notably, the Gipsy Major's unique 'inverted engine' configuration, with cylinder heads positioned beneath the crankshaft, presents a distinctive engineering challenge.

The inverted design, renowned in aviation circles for its advantages, posed further complexities for Beccarelli's automotive adaptation. Overcoming hurdles included retrofitting and reorienting the engine to mimic conventional automotive standards, necessitating alterations to accommodate the engine's rotation and installation. Strategic modifications, such as relocating the camshaft and positioning the crankcase towards the front of the chassis, optimize accessibility and facilitate swift gear changes, enhancing performance and versatility.

Embark on a journey through the idiosyncratic start-up rituals, intricacies, and exhilarating runway runs, as this extraordinary marvel captivates with its ingenuity and prowess! Scroll down and watch the video until the last second! Enjoy every moment of this special car!