Alexandre Darracq
Alexandre Darracq (10 November 1855 – 1931) was a French investor, engineer, cycle manufacturer and automobile manufacturer.
1891 Founded Cycles et Automobiles Gladiator with Paul Auroq
1896 The Gladiator business was acquired by Adolphe Clement. Darracq founded Automobiles Darracq S.A.
By 1904, Darracq was producing more than ten percent of all automobiles in France and he sold a substantial part of his business to British investors.
He became fascinated by the possibilities of a rotary valve engine, put it into production and though it became a disaster for Darracq & Cie persisted in installing it in Darracq products.
He was obliged to retire in June 1912 aged 56 and after the Armistice his name was dropped from his Suresnes factory's mass-produced products.