Image credit: © conceptcarz.com (Reproduction Or reuse prohibited).
In 1900, De Dion, Bouton et Cie. had built steam cars, gasoline tricycles, and four-wheeled voiturettes. It had the unique distinction of being the largest engine manufacturer in the world, supplying power plants to 140 manufacturers worldwide. The four-wheel, four-seat vis-a-vis (face-to-face) voiturette was very popular. Even America had taken notice, after a De Dion was demonstrated in Boston in 1898, and subsequently, Kenneth Skinner, of Boston, took up licensing De Dion patens in the United States.
There were several importers, but in 1900, a consortium of Americans, headed by Cornelius Field, took a license from Skinner and set up the De Dion-Bouton Motorette Company in Brooklyn, New York, with a salesroom on 66th Street in Manhattan. The company offered three models, including a Brooklyn Motorette with a single two-passenger seat, a New York Motorette with facing vis à vis seating, and a telephone-booth-like Brougham.
To boost confidence in the model and to further promote the vehicles, the De Dion went racing. They took prizes in hill climbs on Long Island, they raced with the Auto Club of New England at the Pan-American Exhibition at Buffalo, and one took 1st place in a September 1901 New York-to-Buffalo endurance test.
Unfortunately, the life of the Brooklyn-built De Dion was short. By mid-1902, Skinner had canceled the company's contract, citing violations of its conditions.
There were a few hundred De Dion-Bouton motorcars manufactured in Brooklyn, New York in 1900. These French-engineered vehicles would have a significant influence on the emerging American motorcar industry. Even Louis Chevrolet was an employee of the Brooklyn-based De Dion Company. They were produced in three distinct models, with approximately five of these 3.5 horsepower Vis-a-Vis models still known to exist. These particular models were referred to as the New York Motorette.
This example is an original and unrestored vehicle that has had only four owners from new. For a quarter of a century, this car was in the car of Ben Moser's collection.
This New York Type Motorette was discovered in the 1960s by the late California collector Ben Moser. It had been owned by a single family for at least half-a-century, before being purchased by Moser from the grandson of the long-time owner. When purchased, it was removed from a barn intact and virtually original, with only a few cosmetic touches made by the grandson. Moser went on to collect additional period-appropriate tools and memorabilia to go with the car.
Prior to Mr. Moser's death in 1992, the car was acquired by Jeremy Hass. The car was in good condition and quite complete, except for the fact that its leather seating was loose. The paint was largely original, and the engine ran well after a brief tune-up. Hass entered it for the 1992 London-to-Brighton Veteran Car Run in England. It made it most of the way; on the final hill, however, it stalled with engine trouble.
Mr. Hass had the engine and gearbox rebuilt after returning to the United States, and the differential gear was also changed to a more favorable ratio. In 1993, he sold the car, and it has had two owners in recent years.By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2014
There were several importers, but in 1900, a consortium of Americans, headed by Cornelius Field, took a license from Skinner and set up the De Dion-Bouton Motorette Company in Brooklyn, New York, with a salesroom on 66th Street in Manhattan. The company offered three models, including a Brooklyn Motorette with a single two-passenger seat, a New York Motorette with facing vis à vis seating, and a telephone-booth-like Brougham.
To boost confidence in the model and to further promote the vehicles, the De Dion went racing. They took prizes in hill climbs on Long Island, they raced with the Auto Club of New England at the Pan-American Exhibition at Buffalo, and one took 1st place in a September 1901 New York-to-Buffalo endurance test.
Unfortunately, the life of the Brooklyn-built De Dion was short. By mid-1902, Skinner had canceled the company's contract, citing violations of its conditions.
There were a few hundred De Dion-Bouton motorcars manufactured in Brooklyn, New York in 1900. These French-engineered vehicles would have a significant influence on the emerging American motorcar industry. Even Louis Chevrolet was an employee of the Brooklyn-based De Dion Company. They were produced in three distinct models, with approximately five of these 3.5 horsepower Vis-a-Vis models still known to exist. These particular models were referred to as the New York Motorette.
This example is an original and unrestored vehicle that has had only four owners from new. For a quarter of a century, this car was in the car of Ben Moser's collection.
This New York Type Motorette was discovered in the 1960s by the late California collector Ben Moser. It had been owned by a single family for at least half-a-century, before being purchased by Moser from the grandson of the long-time owner. When purchased, it was removed from a barn intact and virtually original, with only a few cosmetic touches made by the grandson. Moser went on to collect additional period-appropriate tools and memorabilia to go with the car.
Prior to Mr. Moser's death in 1992, the car was acquired by Jeremy Hass. The car was in good condition and quite complete, except for the fact that its leather seating was loose. The paint was largely original, and the engine ran well after a brief tune-up. Hass entered it for the 1992 London-to-Brighton Veteran Car Run in England. It made it most of the way; on the final hill, however, it stalled with engine trouble.
Mr. Hass had the engine and gearbox rebuilt after returning to the United States, and the differential gear was also changed to a more favorable ratio. In 1993, he sold the car, and it has had two owners in recent years.By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2014
2014 RM Auctions - Amelia Island
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $140,000-USD $180,000
Sale Price :
USD $115,500
2010 FAIRFIELD COUNTY CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE, EXCEPTIONAL COLLECTORS' MOTORCARS AND AUTOMOBILIA
Sale Price :
USD $163,750
1901 De Dion Bouton Vis-A-Vis Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the De Dion Bouton Vis-A-Vis
(Data based on Model Year 1901 sales)
1901 De Dion Bouton 4½hp Type G Double Phaeton Chassis#: 1193 Sold for USD$74,969 2024 Bonhams : Les Grandes Marques du Monde a Paris | |
1901 De Dion Bouton 4½hp Type G Vis-à-Vis Chassis#: 964 Sold for USD$99,602 2023 Bonhams : The Golden Age of Motoring Sale | |
1901 De Dion Bouton Type G Chassis#: 4978 Sold for USD$78,842 2019 H & H Classics - Imperial War Museum, Duxford | |
1901 De Dion-Bouton 4½hp Motorette Chassis#: 159 Sold for USD$90,190 2019 Bonhams : Goodwood Members Meeting | |
1901 De Dion Bouton 5hp Motorette Chassis#: 128 Sold for USD$162,400 2019 Bonhams : Amelia Island | |
1901 De Dion Bouton Type G vis-à-vis Chassis#: 1389 Sold for USD$114,351 2017 Artcurial : Retromobile | |
1901 De Dion-Bouton New York Type Motorette Sold for USD$115,500 2014 RM Auctions - Amelia Island | |
1901 De Dion Bouton 5hp Motorette Chassis#: 128 Sold for USD$191,400 2013 Bonhams - Quail Lodge Auction | |
1901 De Dion-Bouton 4 ½hp Motorette Chassis#: 159 Sold for USD$110,400 2012 Bonhams - Quail Lodge Sale | |
1901 De Dion Bouton 4 1/2hp Vis-à-vis Sold for USD$159,114 2011 Bonhams - RAF Museum, Hendon, Collectors' Motor Cars and Automobilia | |
1901 De Dion Bouton Motorette Chassis#: 126 Sold for USD$163,750 2010 FAIRFIELD COUNTY CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE, EXCEPTIONAL COLLECTORS' MOTORCARS AND AUTOMOBILIA | |
1901 De Dion Bouton 3 1/2hp Voiturette Chassis#: 1237 Sold for USD$73,056 2009 Bonhams - Veteran Motor Cars and Related Automobilia | |
1901 De Dion Bouton 4 1/2hp Model G Vis-à-vis Chassis#: 612 Sold for USD$92,171 2009 Bonhams - The Ward Brothers' Reserve Collection | |
1901 De Dion Bouton 4½hp vis-à-vis Voiturette Chassis#: 372 Sold for USD$60,900 2008 Veteran Motor Cars and Related Automobilia | |
1901 De Dion Bouton 4 1/2hp Three Seater Voiturette Chassis#: 3543 Sold for USD$72,616 2003 Bonhams - Important Collectors' Motor Cars |
De Dion Bouton Vis-A-Viss That Failed To Sell At Auction
1901 De Dion Bouton Vis-A-Vis's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1901 De Dion Bouton 4½hp Vis-à-Vis | 6011 | 2013 Bonhams Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais | $95,000 | $125,000 | |
1901 De Dion Bouton 4½hp Type G2 Vis-à-Vis | 964 | 2008 Veteran Motor Cars and Related Automobilia | $55,000 | $65,000 |
Vehicles With Comparable Market Values
Similar sales to the $110,617 range.
1959 CADILLAC ELDORADO BROUGHAM Chassis#:59P018102 Sold for $110,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1990 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 4 CABRIOLET GEMBELLA Chassis#:WP0CB2965LS472097 Sold for $110,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1959 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL CROWN CONVERTIBLE Chassis#:M637107959 Sold for $110,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
2023 CADILLAC CT5-V SERIES BLACKWING Chassis#:1G6DY5R64P0660005 Sold for $110,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1968 DODGE CHARGER CUSTOM COUPE Chassis#:XP29H8B188141 Sold for $110,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1968 CHEVROLET CAMARO RS/SS CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE Chassis#:124678N317780 Sold for $110,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1984 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER FJ45 TROOPY CUSTOM SUV Chassis#:FJ45943945 Sold for $110,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
2022 FORD F-150 SHELBY SUPER SNAKE PICKUP Chassis#:1FTFW1E51NFA21205 Sold for $110,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1955 CHEVROLET NOMAD CUSTOM WAGON Chassis#:VC55K116481 Sold for $110,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1969 PONTIAC FIREBIRD TRANS AM CONVERTIBLE RE-CREATION Chassis#:223679U116686 Sold for $110,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1970 OLDSMOBILE 442 CONVERTIBLE Chassis#:344670E178752 Sold for $110,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1970 PLYMOUTH BARRACUDA CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE Chassis#:BH27G0B244698 Sold for $110,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
2023 JEEP GLADIATOR CUSTOM PICKUP Chassis#:1C6HJTAG9PL501708 Sold for $110,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle LS5 Convertible Chassis#:136670b216608 Sold for $110,000 2024 Mecum : Houston | |
1964 Lincoln Continental Convertible Chassis#:4y86n434139 Sold for $110,000 2024 Mecum : Houston | |
1975 International Scout II Chassis#:or87442 Sold for $110,000 2024 Mecum : Glendale | |
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Chassis#:2c3cdzh9xjh101430 Sold for $110,000 2024 Mecum : Glendale | |
1959 Chevrolet El Camino Chassis#:h59l137851 Sold for $110,000 2024 Mecum : Glendale | |
1965 Chevrolet Malibu Chassis#:136375b142825 Sold for $110,000 2024 Mecum : Glendale | |
1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL Fastback Chassis#:3a66z182083 Sold for $110,000 2024 Mecum : Glendale |
1901 De Dion Bouton Vis-A-Vis
• Additional valuation insight and sales data• History
• Specifications
• Image gallery