1926 Lorraine-Dietrich B3-6
Pilots: R. Bloch, A. Rossignol
Team: Robert Bloch
Race: 1st GC (S 3.5 class) at Le Mans in 1926
Ixo - LM 1926 (diecast)
Published 08/18/18
Lorraine-Dietrich B3-6 #5 (07/30/18):
Initially specializing in railway equipment, the “Société Lorraine des Anciens Établissements de Dietrich & Cie de Lunéville”, better known as Lorraine-Dietrich, began making automobiles in 1896. After manufacturing military equipment (including aircraft engines) during the First World War, the company started producing cars. In 1922 technical director Marius Barbarou introduced the new B3-6 model. The following year the manufacturer took part in the first edition of the 24 Heures du Mans in 1923, and their B3-6 managed an eighth 8th place. Subsequently Lorraine-Dietrich was back at La Sarthe the next year, and again with a B3-6 did even better, scoring a second and third places. But the next year, in 1925, the B3-6 came in first place overall.
The B3-6 was powered by an inline-6 with 3446 cm³, hemispherical chambers, 12 valves and SOHC. With the two Zenith 42 HKG carburetors it produced about 100 hp. With rear wheel drive, it counted on four gears to transmit power to the ground. Also, it was one of the first cars to have brakes on all four wheels, with Dewandre-Reprusseau servo-assisted drum brakes.
With the good previous results, Lorraine-Dietrich was again at La Sarthe in 1926. The B3-6 took the three top spots at the podium. Car #6, covered 2,552.414 km at an average speed of 106.35 km/h, and as a result came in first place. In scale it’s the average “very nice clunker” from Ixo, but as you see, very similar to the 1925 car. BUT, it’s a winner, so it deserves a spot in my collection.
These clunkers are an interesting case. I’m not a fan of pre-WWII cars in general, but because of their Le Mans connection, they become interesting. Besides, Ixo also plays a part – if theses models weren’t so good, I don’t think I would be so interested.