Du Pont Motors was founded by E. Paul du Pont to produce marine engines for the Allied nations during

World War I World War I or the First World War (28 July 1914 – 11 November 1918), also known as the Great War, was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War I, Allies (or Entente) and the Central Powers. Fighting to ...

. After the war, Du Pont Motors produced extremely high-end automobiles. The cars were manufactured in

Wilmington, Delaware Wilmington is the List of municipalities in Delaware, most populous city in the U.S. state of Delaware. The city was built on the site of Fort Christina, the first Swedish colonization of the Americas, Swedish settlement in North America. It lie ...

. E. Paul du Pont's resources allowed him to hire top-quality automotive and management talent. The company's first product, the Model A, was introduced at the 1919 International Salon at the Commodore Hotel in

New York City New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States, located at the southern tip of New York State on one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive w ...

(an event for the wealthy by invitation only, along with the finest manufacturers and coach builders). The Model G was introduced in 1928, with a 5.3 liter side-valve straight eight engine of . Between 1919 and 1931, the company produced approximately 625 automobiles. They were compared to such luxury cars as

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and even

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, and

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, and were known for their quality and style. Customers included

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and

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, and

Jack Dempsey William Harrison "Jack" Dempsey (June 24, 1895 – May 31, 1983), nicknamed Kid Blackie and The Manassa Mauler, was an American boxer who competed from 1914 to 1927, and world heavyweight champion from 1919 to 1926. One of the most iconic athl ...

. The company went bankrupt in 1932 and merged into the Indian Motorcycle Company when E. Paul du Pont purchased the latter company.

Du Pont model G

The Du Pont Model G was the first 8 cylinder model from Du Pont Motors in

. The car was powered by a Continental 12-K side-valve straight eight cylinder engine with a displacement of 321.8 c.i. (5.3 litre), delivering 125 bhp. Du Pont added an aluminum cover over the distributor, spark plugs and wiring for water and dust protection. There was a 3 speed transmission. Included were four-wheel hydraulic brakes, and hydraulic shock absorbers. Standard wheelbase was 136 in., with 141 in. available for formal coachwork, and a speedster with 125 in. There were 12 factory body styles to choose from, manufactured for Du Pont by Merrimac, Derham, and Waterhouse. The rolling chassis was available for other coachbuilders. Prices ranged from US$4,360 ($ in dollars ) to US$5,750 ($ in dollars ), with Speedsters up to US$6,125 ($ in dollars ). A 1930 Du Pont Model G Merrimac Town Car won the Best of Show award in the 1958

Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance is an annual automotive event held on the Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California. It is widely considered the most prestigious car show in the world and it is the pinnacle ''Concours d'Elegance'' c ...

. "Is There a Future for Collectible Cars?"
by Dan Neil (journalist),

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Sept. 6, 2024

Du Pont model H

The Du Pont Model H was the last motor car line for Du Pont Motors. In 1930 the Model H was introduced, which was basically a Model G but with a longer wheelbase that measured 146-inches. A total of three were built consisting of a two car and two sport models. The sports chassis were later bodied as a sport phaeton and a closed-coupled sedan by Dietrich. The other received a formal Berline body and a flat radiator.

Gallery

Du Pont Model G at Concours d'Elegance (20614555606).jpg, 1929 Du Pont Model G Waterhouse Roadster 1929 Du Pont Model G Merrimac Club Coupe, front right (Lime Rock).jpg, 1929 Du Pont Model G Merrimac Club Coupe Du Pont Model H at Carmel Tour d'Elegance (19937762943).jpg, 1931 Du Pont Model H Sport Phaeton by Merrimac-Marshall

Notes and references

{{Commons category, Du Pont Motors 1919 establishments in Delaware 1932 disestablishments in Pennsylvania 1920s cars 1930s cars Companies based in Wilmington, Delaware Defunct manufacturing companies based in Delaware Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of the United States DuPont subsidiaries Luxury motor vehicle manufacturers Vehicle manufacturing companies disestablished in 1932 Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1919 Vintage vehicles

Du Pont model G

Du Pont model H

Gallery

See also

Notes and references