Darracq 14–16 HP History

By 1907 Darracq's volume model was the 14–16 hp four-cylinder, offered in touring and cab coachwork. The marque's commercial relationship with major taxi operators was substantial: by 1907 roughly one-third of New York City's 1,800 taxis were Darracqs, and in 1909 Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits placed an order for 3,000 units of the 1910 model for taxi service in India — one of the largest single automotive orders of the Edwardian era.

The same basic chassis was used by Darracq's Italian subsidiary, Società Italiana Automobili Darracq (SIAD), established in Portello, Milan in 1906. SIAD struggled financially and closed in 1910; the Portello factory was subsequently acquired by ALFA, which developed into Alfa Romeo — giving Darracq an indirect but consequential role in Italian automotive history.

The 14–16 hp era ended in embarrassment when Alexandre Darracq insisted on introducing a Henriod rotary-valve engine in this size class at the end of 1911. The engine proved underpowered and prone to seizing; the model sold poorly, Darracq was forced out in June 1912, and new works manager Owen Clegg was brought in from Rover to stabilise the range.