1884 De Dion Bouton et Trepardoux Dos-A-Dos

This prototype car was produced in DeDion, Bouton and Trepardoux's new factory in the Rue des Pavillons at Puteaux. It could seat four people; the rear passengers had their backs to the driver and front passenger. This type of positioning would become known as dos-a-dos. The four passengers sat atop a large rectangular sheet-iron tank. The tank held water for the vertical boiler, which could be found in front of the driver. The car was powered by two independent tandem-compound engines located underneath the floor. The power they produced each powered one wheel. That power was sent via a connecting rod and overhung cranks.

DeDion named the prototype car 'La Marquise' in honor of his mother. It would be used in 1887 in the 20-mile race from the pont de Neuilly in Paris to Versailles and back. La Marquise was the only light steamer in the race. Bouton drove the solo race in 1 hour and 14 minutes with an average speed of 16 mph. The top speed was reported to be 37 mph.

In 1888 DeDion drove La Marquise to a victory over Georges Bouton who was driving a light steam tricycle.

The Count would retain La Marquise for many years, even after the popularity of steam-powered cars faded. After many years, the next owner of the steamer was an artillery officer named Doriol. By this point in history, some of the little carriage's bronze and copper plumbing had been stripped and used for making shell casings.

La Marquise was displayed at the 1925 Grand Exhibition in Grenoble and was awarded a Special Diplome d'Honneur. A restoration was attempted but never really finished until June of 1987 when it was sold for only the second time in its life. A British individual was its next owner, who acquired permission to export it from France. A complete restoration was commissioned, bringing it to the original running order.

This car is a multi-award-winning vehicle, as would be expected. It outclasses every rival in terms of heritage, distinction, uniqueness, pedigree, and history. It won the UK National Steam heritage Premier Award for Restoration and Preservation in 1991. In 1997 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, it was a double first place winner, winning the U1 class for pioneer steam cars. The Automobile Quarterly awarded it the Historians Trophy for the 'Most Historically Important Car at the Show.'

It was honored at the 1996 Louis Vuitton Concours at the Royal Hurlingham Club, London. It was a class winner of pre-century steam vehicles in 1999 at the Cartier 'Style et Luxe' Concours at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. In 1994 and 1998, it made featured demonstration runs at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

It has completed the 62-mile London-to-Brighton Veteran Car Run and the Evelyn Ellis Centenary Run.

The car has changed ownership only twice in nearly 125 years. It is the world's oldest racing car, the world's oldest functioning automobile in private hands, and the holder of many prestigious awards.

In 2007 it was brought to auction and offered for sale. This was a rare opportunity that truly is a once-in-a-lifetime affair. It was one of the highlights of the auction and took a prominent display location throughout the auction preview days. As it crossed the auction block, bidding was energetic. As the gavel fell for the third and final time, the lot had been sold for $3,520,000, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2008