1902 Boyer 9HP Rear Entrance Tonneau

Noé Boyer was a talented engineering and as early as 1895, was experimenting and building combustion-engined tricycles. Based in the Paris suburb of Suresnes, he was surrounded by other ambitious and talented individuals who were building similar motor-driven experimental creations. By 1898, Boyer merged his interests with Gladiator and Clément which later built light voiturettes and quadricycles marketed under the Phébus name in the UK. The Boyer name re-appeared in 1902 with a new concern, Boyer et Cie., and built a series of voiturettes powered by the Parisian-based Aster and De Dion Bouton companies among others. For a brief time, the Boyer cars were marketed in the United States by French automobile agent Kenneth A. Skinner of Boston.

This Boyer was one of the few sold in the U.S. and is believed to be the sole surviving example. Its engine is a 1,261cc inline twin-cylinder unit fitted with a single carburetor and rated at ten horsepower. It has a push rod mechanical overhead exhaust valve which was a rather advanced feature for its era. There is a serpentine radiator, two-wheel drum brakes, four-wheel semi-elliptic leaf spring suspension, and three-speed sliding gear transmission.

This example was owned by L.K. Newell of Oklahoma prior to entering the collection of its current owner, Mr. Reed, who treated it to a restoration. Its darkened color scheme was replaced with fresh paint in an olive-green hue and straw-colored frame, running gear, and wheels. The flat black upholstery was refurbished and a modern starter motor was fitted for ease of operation.

Since the restoration, the car has been an active participant in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, being shipped to the UK no fewer than eight times.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2020