However, Depasse didnt' stop with racing and hill climbing events. In addition to entering two French Grand Prix and numerous hill climbs, he sent Ford Model T into competitions throughout France and even Algeria, placing first in a rally there in 1912.
This, however, may be one for the history books.
The first Rallye de Monaco (later changed to Monte Carlo), conceived by the Automobile Club of Monaco, was held in 1911. The idea was to have cars leave from all four corners of Europe, with timed departure dates, arriving at about the same time in Monte Carlo. Adding to the difficulty of motoring across borders and the Alps, the rally was held in January. Contestants had to maintain a minimum speed (or be disqualified), and were awarded points for speed, number of passengers, along with several other factors. Consideration was given to closed cars, as they were heavier but afforded more comfort. Points for distance traveled, comfort, luggage space and aesthetics were factored into the final score.
The first Rally in 1911 began with 23 entrants, 16 finishing.
In 1912, interest grew, and over 80 cars were initially entered, with over 60 beginning the rally in late January. Cars began with scheduled departures from as far away as St. Petersburg, Russia (3,2257 km), to as close as Turin, Italy (544 km). The minimum allowed speed, including stops, was raised from 10 km/hr in 1911 to 15.5 km/hr in 1912. The departing cities and dates:
"The departure from Paris
The appearance which appeared yesterday morning, at seven o'clock, the. Palace de la Concorde, in front of the Automobile Club de France, was really rejoicing, comforting even, I’d say. Twenty-three cars were there, in three rows, surrounded by a string of agents, holding a large crowd of spectators, come to attend the departure of the Rally of Monaco.
Around cars, we met again, some of the old days, and if the fatigues of the last nine years lived had a little aged our silhouettes, we would have thought postponed to the times of weighing Paris-Berlin and Paris-Vienna . The good days of yesteryear could they come back?
This time, they were no longer racing cars, but honest cars that were going to leave, all the latest models, with the most elegant and luxurious coaches. It was not a departure, it was a real exhibition.
Silent, the engines at a standstill, they were waiting for the excellent Lumet, commissioner of teh chronometer in this case, to give the start signal, which he did it 8 hours accurate.
The. The cordon of agents moved away, and the whole lot set off at a good pace through the Palace de la Concorde, offering us the spectacle of a very pretty parade. Happy travelers. They went through the icy fog of the morning towards the sun and the blue sea, it was decided, to see the next morning, the sun rise on the Mediterranean."
Unfortunately, of the 27 cars listed starting from Paris, Henri Depasse's Ford didn't make the start.
Photo of the start from Paris that appeared in the British journal "The Autocar:"
It is, and a special Model T at that........
