Following the 1955 and 1958 refinery fires and consequent fuel shortages in Dalluha, the noises made about improving DCMW’s fleetwide fuel economy got loud enough that something was done. The 2nd-generation Sharriallat, already slated to be sleeker, smaller, and sportier than the first generation, was prototyped in several size classes. The 2.4m prototype, while it was turned down for a Sharriallat successor, was found to have excellent handling while still able to fit DCMW’s largest straight-six. Debate ensued about whether to put it into production as a new model, the Raqqada, or leave DCMW’s products exclusively large and comfort-oriented. Chaotic board meetings on the question were finally calmed by a collective wager: the model’s production would depend on its success at the 1960 La Marche race. With tests of the 467hp Raqqada coming in at well under 4:00, with over 330kph on the Mulsanne straight, such hopes were not unfounded. So the prototype was dressed up in Dalluhan national livery, and sent over following some delays with customs and shipping agents…
The only view most will get of the Raqqada for any length of time; best get used to it.