Roger and Louise asking for comment

I’d suggest that the mackintoshed, helmeted and begoggled figure in the photo is a passing motorist who came upon the Darracq ‘en panne’ and offered to help in finding the cause. M. Barrier welcomed his assistance but the chauffeur, who had spent some time in a fruitless search, was not impressed. In a very short time the Good Samaritan had identified a loose connection and tightened it with his screwdriver which cured the problem. Full of spleen the chauffeur found an opportunity to give him a painful kick in a sensitive area. M. Barrier, a photographer by profession, was outraged at this unprovoked attack, passed the stranger a cigarette and suggested he should pose for a picture with his wife to commemorate the event, promising to forward a print at a later date. The chauffeur has opened the door to allow Mme Barrier to descend. The dog is contemplating where it will lift it’s leg.

Well, gentlemen, since this is not taking us anywhere (at least regarding the car), let's just cast our votes on the previous suggestions.

On a scale from 1 to 10 I think Stuart's proposal ranks highest. Another - hitherto not mentioned - scenario would involve some (to us not) explicit action of the chauffeur behind the car's door...

Apart from the hilariuos comments on the gentleman's gesture, may I point to two other kingpins, namely those on the front axle. Judging from their seemingly perfect vertical orientation I gather that the finer points of steering geometry were not yet generally understood at the time. It must have been quite a feat to keep this car in a straight line.

Noted Mr. Brand's comments and agreed. Following on from Mr, Hillyard's comments, perhaps the gentleman is giving himself a tune up. Kind regards, Warrick.

The dog says "If I was caught doing that it would be the vet for me!!!!"

WHO is taking the Photo, her Mother ?

Might that be a yellow painted chassis, why do so many French cars of that era have yellow chassis?

for sure it isn't a quick pub stop

They look like a young couple on honeymoon. But why he is holding a screw driver in one hand and his crutch in the other. The mind boggles!