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1901 De Dion Bouton Vis-A-Vis news, pictures, and information | ||
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 |  |  | Vis-A-Vis Chassis Num: 126 Engine Num: 2822 |
This example is an original and un-restored 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.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2010
Marquis Albert De Dion was an industrialist and automotive genius. He pioneered many 'firsts' for the automotive industry and recognized the power and potential of the gasoline engine. He teamed with Georges Bouton, an engineer, and together they produced a self-propelled steam vehicle in 1882. To improve the ride of the vehicle a light rear axle was invented and later patented under the name 'de Dion'. In 1890 they patented a gasoline single cylinder engine and in 1895 they were producing vehicles. The single cylinder engine was also used to power sporting tricycles until 1901.
In 1985 De Dion created the first automobile club and in 1898 organized an auto show in Paris, the first auto show the world had ever seen. By the close of the 1890's, the 3.5 horsepower rear-engined petite voiture had become the world's first series-production small car.
Over 150 various motorcycle and automobile manufacturers bought licenses to build the Bouton and De Dion engine. By 1900 De Dion and Bouton was the world's largest maker of automobiles with annual production of 400 cars and 3,200 engines. By 1904 De Dion had supplied over 40,000 engines produced by their Puteaux facility.
In 1902 a 6 horsepower engine appeared still being placed behind the driver and powering the rear wheels. It used a two-speed expanding clutch transmission. An 8 horsepower engine was later introduced, placed under a hood in front of the vehicle and dubbed the Model K.
By 1903 a two-cylinder engine had been produced increasing the horsepower rating to 12. Two years later a four-cylinder version capable of producing between 15 and 24 horsepower, depending on configuration, had been developed.
In 1908 the company produced their final 8 horsepower single cylinder engine and all models were now equipped with conventional gearboxes.
In 1910 De Dion and Bouton introduced a eight-cylinder engine in 'Vee' configuration, another innovative achievement for the duo. The 6.1-liter engine was capable of producing 35 horsepower. The displacement was further enlarged to 7.8-liters and again to 14.7-liters. The eight-cylinder engine was used until 1923 when a new OHV 12-cylinder engine with aluminum pistons was introduced.
With national tragedies such as World War I and the onset of the Great Depression, the De Dion company began to struggle financially. During 1927 it ceased production temporarily and when it resumed production it had a new 2.5-liter straight eight-cylinder and a 2-liter four-cylinder engine. Sales were sluggish so the decision was made to increase the displacement to 3-liters in 1930.
In 1932 the last automobile produced by the De Dion Company was produced. It continued to produce trucks until the close of the 1940's when it shifted its focus to servicing automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2010
In 1985 De Dion created the first automobile club and in 1898 organized an auto show in Paris, the first auto show the world had ever seen. By the close of the 1890's, the 3.5 horsepower rear-engined petite voiture had become the world's first series-production small car.
Over 150 various motorcycle and automobile manufacturers bought licenses to build the Bouton and De Dion engine. By 1900 De Dion and Bouton was the world's largest maker of automobiles with annual production of 400 cars and 3,200 engines. By 1904 De Dion had supplied over 40,000 engines produced by their Puteaux facility.
In 1902 a 6 horsepower engine appeared still being placed behind the driver and powering the rear wheels. It used a two-speed expanding clutch transmission. An 8 horsepower engine was later introduced, placed under a hood in front of the vehicle and dubbed the Model K.
By 1903 a two-cylinder engine had been produced increasing the horsepower rating to 12. Two years later a four-cylinder version capable of producing between 15 and 24 horsepower, depending on configuration, had been developed.
In 1908 the company produced their final 8 horsepower single cylinder engine and all models were now equipped with conventional gearboxes.
In 1910 De Dion and Bouton introduced a eight-cylinder engine in 'Vee' configuration, another innovative achievement for the duo. The 6.1-liter engine was capable of producing 35 horsepower. The displacement was further enlarged to 7.8-liters and again to 14.7-liters. The eight-cylinder engine was used until 1923 when a new OHV 12-cylinder engine with aluminum pistons was introduced.
With national tragedies such as World War I and the onset of the Great Depression, the De Dion company began to struggle financially. During 1927 it ceased production temporarily and when it resumed production it had a new 2.5-liter straight eight-cylinder and a 2-liter four-cylinder engine. Sales were sluggish so the decision was made to increase the displacement to 3-liters in 1930.
In 1932 the last automobile produced by the De Dion Company was produced. It continued to produce trucks until the close of the 1940's when it shifted its focus to servicing automobiles, trucks, and motorcycles.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2010
 |  |  | Motorette Vis-A-Vis |
 |  | Motorette Vis-A-Vis Chassis Num: 159 Engine Num: 5638 |
| Sold for $110,400 at 2012 Bonhams. | ||
The enterprising man behind the marketing of a DeDion-Bouton inspired product in America was Kenneth Skinner. He marketed the French voiture as motor and marketed the cars as Motorettes. Thus, there were many cars built in the US and many parts were cast with 'NY' next to their parts number. Unfortunately, this venture would prove less popular than its European counterpart. During a six month to a year production span, it is believed the total production numbered a few hundred.
This De Dion-Bouton 4 ½hp Motorette still has an original 1905 California license brass disc. It is believed to have been in California for most of its life. By the 1970s it was in the property of Irv Perch. In July of 1983 it was sold by Perch to Ed Morgan of Scotts Valley, California who would keep the car for seventeen years. During that time it received a sympathetic restoration and regular use.
This American built DeDion has many US features such as the fold down seat back on its front seat, engraved 'Brooklyn' engine and gearbox oilers, Motorette chassis plate, and on/off switch.
In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge sale presented by Bonhams Auction. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $110,400 including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012
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| Auctions America By RM's 2012 Auburn Spring Auction | |
 | 'Variety' is the buzzword for this year's Auctions America by RM June 1-3 Auburn Spring auction, which will offer a huge range of collector vehicles and an enormous private collection of automotive memorabilia. More than 600 American muscle cars, Classics, foreign sports cars and hot rods will cross the block at the historic Auburn Auction Park, the company's national headquarters in Auburn, Indiana. 'Last year was our first spring event at the park,' said Auctions America by RM's President ...[Read more...] |
