The DB HBR 4
The DB HBR 4 was a lightweight, aerodynamic sports car built by Automobiles Deutsch et Bonnet, founded by Charles Deutsch and René Bonnet in 1947. Designed for efficiency, it excelled in the Indice de Performance at Le Mans, which rewarded performance relative to engine size and weight. Key specifications for the No. 59:
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Chassis: Central tubular beam with a lightweight aluminium body, weighing ~475 kg, among the lightest in the field. Chassis number 940, per race records.
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Engine: Panhard-derived 702cc air-cooled flat-twin, producing ~58 bhp at 5,700 rpm, tuned by Deutsch and Bonnet for racing. Front-mounted, driving the front wheels.
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Transmission: Four-speed manual, optimized for endurance racing.
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Suspension: Advanced for its era, with semi-triangulated front suspension inspired by Lotus, featuring dual lower triangles and a spring bar upper link.
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Tyres: Michelin, providing reliable grip for the low-power car.
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Aerodynamics: Sleek barquette (open-top) design by Deutsch, prioritizing low drag for Le Mans’ long straights, with a top speed of ~144–150 km/h (89–93 mph).
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Designation: HBR 4 stood for Homologation (H, 500–750cc class), Biplace (B), Route (R), and 4CV (French fiscal horsepower rating).
The HBR 4 was one of three barquettes built in 1959 (chassis 1091, 1092, 1093), with No. 59 (chassis 940) homologated for GT racing after DB produced the required 100 units.
Drivers
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Jacques Faucher (France, age 35): A Le Mans debutant in 1959, Faucher was likely a gentleman driver with limited documented racing history. His role was to support the DB works effort, but specific details about his career are scarce.
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Gérard Laffargue (France, age unknown): Also making his Le Mans debut, Laffargue set the car’s best lap at 5:34.300 (144.95 km/h). Little is known about his racing background, but he was entrusted with a works DB, suggesting competence in small-displacement racing.
Despite the No. 59’s retirement in the race, DB’s focus on lightweight, efficient cars led to their third Indice de Performance win in 1959, cementing their reputation as “giantkillers” against larger-displacement rivals. The HBR 4’s design influenced later French sports cars, like the Alpine A110.
As the sole French marque at Le Mans in 1959, DB carried national pride, with the No. 59 representing their innovative approach. The car’s aluminium body and Lotus-inspired suspension were ahead of their time.
