1937 DRA 9HP Special

Offered by Bonhams | Oxford, U.K. | June 7, 2014

Photo – Bonhams

Never heard of this car before? That’s okay, neither have I. But that’s because it’s a one-off special – not a car that ever entered series production. In fact, this car is made up of parts from many other cars – a number thought to be as high as 27!

The DRA (Doherty Racing Automobile) was built in 1937 by W.T. Doherty, a garage owner in Ireland. He built it to race in the 1938 Limerick Grand Prix. where he finished 8th, which happened to be a DNF. It also competed in the 1938 Irish Motor Racing Rally, where Doherty ended up 4th.

This special is built around a Riley Nine, but has bits and pieces from a bunch of other cars. The engine is a 1.1-liter straight-four making 9 horsepower. Mr. Doherty sold the car in 1945 and the current owner’s family acquired it in 1966. The restoration was completed in 1967 and the car has been parked for quite a while – meaning it will need freshening in order to be used. Still, this is a one-of-a-kind car that can be yours for between $59,000-$67,000. Click here for more info and here for more from Bonhams in Oxford.

Update: Sold $58,056.