Istorie
Exceptionally rare, this particular example reportedly resided at a French chateau until around 1995, and had been converted to horse-drawn propulsion, presumably following an engine failure. A replacement Benz engine dating from circa 1900 was installed in 2007. Seven more units exist on the road worldwide.
Full description
Hurtu was a pioneering French brand built in the first years after the birth of the car industry. Established in 1880 in Albert (Department of Somme) by Auguste-Jacques Hurtu, Victor-Joseph Hautin and Jean-Charles-Emile Diligeon, the company that made cars under this brand was originally named Hurtu, Hautin et Diligeon and started its activity as a sewing machine manufacturer, switching later to bicycles, motorcycles and cars. In 1895 Emile Diligeon bought out his partners and renamed the company Diligeon et Cie but continued to use the Hurtu name on his products. The first Hurtu automobile was tricycle (1896), followed in the same year by a licensed Leon Bollee Voiturette. In 1898, Hurtu built its first own designed car whose total production was around 300 vehicles.
Reconstituted as Compagnie des Autos et Cycles Hurtu in 1899, the firm continued as well to build bicycles, commercial vehicles, machine tools and a host of other metal products, latterly at Neuilly sur Seine. This broad manufacturing base meant that the company was able to survive the economic upheaval that followed the Wall Street Crash of 1929, even though it produced no more motor cars after 1930.
Exceptionally rare, this particular car reportedly resided at a French chateau until around 1995 and had been converted to horse-drawn propulsion, presumably following an engine failure. Although missing its engine, the Hurtu had retained many original components including the brass water tanks, brake pedal, part of the final drive, steering gear and - most importantly - the maker's plate bearing the chassis number '160'. In the late 19th Century, French automobiles were required to display a plate recording their owner's name, address and profession, and this too had remained intact. A replacement Benz engine dating from circa 1900 was installed in 2007.
Following completion the car was entered in the London-Brighton Veteran Car Run, but it retired on the first occasion. The following year, in torrential rain, the Hurtu never missed a beat and a successful run and a good time were achieved.
Bought in 2013, this model was requested also by a Belgian collector in his gallery. Seven more units exist on the road worldwide.
