Description
Donnet C17 Cabriolet | 1930
Highlights:
– 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine, petrol, manual transmission
– Extremely rare pre-war cabriolet, one of only a handful of surviving examples
– Believed to be the only example of its kind in the Netherlands
– Valid inspection
The seller offers for sale this 1930 Donnet C17 Cabriolet, powered by a 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine, paired with a manual transmission. According to the seller, this is a truly unique motor car, believed to be the only example of its kind in the Netherlands. The C17 is today counted among the extremely rare pre-war classics: only a handful of roadworthy C17 cabriolets survived the Second World War and the scrapping waves that followed, making any surviving example a genuine rarity on the collector market.
Donnet was one of the notable French car manufacturers of the interwar period. The company emerged from the aviation world, founded by Jérôme Donnet, who had made his name building flying boats during the First World War, and grew during the 1920s into one of the larger French automobile producers. The C17, introduced around 1930, was a light and elegantly engineered model aimed at the growing French middle class, offered in several body styles of which the open cabriolet was among the most charming. The marque disappeared in the mid-1930s amid the economic crisis, which explains why surviving Donnets are so seldom encountered today.
As a pre-war cabriolet from a long-vanished French marque, the C17 offers its next owner something that few classics can: genuine exclusivity. It is a car that is welcome at pre-war rallies, concours gatherings and classic touring events, and one that will almost certainly be the only example present wherever it appears. For collectors of early motoring history, this Donnet represents a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of the French automotive story that has all but disappeared from the roads.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Condition of the interior
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
Technical condition
3 — Good. Bodywork or mechanical repairs needed; drives.
Overall condition
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
