1897 Leon Bollee Tricar

Sold for $126,500 at 2015 RM Sotheby's Hershey Auction.
Introduced in 1896, Leon Bolle's motorized tricycle was powered by a horizontal one-cylinder engine that displaced 882 cubic centimeters and achieved 800 noisy revolutions per minute. It produced a top speed of 27 miles per hour and featured a belt drive, arm and link steering, platinum tube ignition, as well as a seating arrangement that placed the driver safely behind the passenger.

The driver steered with his right hand, while his left operated a versatile lever that changed gears, applied the brake, or engaged the driving belt. The Tandem tricar was built in 1899. Nor more than a handful are known to exist.

This example was purchased by the current owners in 2000. They had a new cylinder made to replace the one that was cracked. The car has been driven but never on a tour. It is currently being displayed at the Gilmore Car Museum Motorcycle Exhibit.

This original three-wheel car, built in France by Leon Bollee, made its first competitive appearance in the Paris-Marseille road race on September 14th, 1896. A similar car, with the same type of one-cylinder engine and unique steering device, set a world speed record for 100 kilometers (62.137 miles) in 1898 at Estampes by traveling that distance in one hour and 58 minutes.