1907 Niclausse Type D

The 24 Niclausse-built boilers that powered the U.S.S. Maine produced 16,000 horsepower. The Niclausse Company was founded by brothers Jules and Albert Niclausse, and it grew to become one of the most successful producers of steam boilers used by navies worldwide. This success allowed them to transition to automobile production beginning in 1903. They obtained a patent for a stamped, single-sheet steel chassis and another for a rear axle with a u-joint inside the axle. Even more patents were obtained for a steering mechanism and an automatic carburetor.

The Niclausse Type D was a four-cylinder automobile that developed 35/50 HP (French Rating). The 6,33cc T-head engine had a single Updraft carburetor and was paired with a four-speed manual gearbox. Two-wheel mechanical drum brakes provided the stopping power. The chassis was suspended via solid axles and semi-elliptic leaf springs.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2024

Sold for $95,200 at 2024 Gooding : Amelia Island.
This 1907 Niclausse Type D Tourer wears coachwork by Binder. It is powered by a 6,333cc T-head inline four-cylinder engine producing 35/50 HP (French Rating). It has a four-speed manual gearbox and two-wheel mechanical drum brakes. It is an unrestored example that was acquired by the Mullin Collection in 2007 directly from Juan Coma-Cros, the grandson of the original owner, Juan Coma of Barcelona. A year later, it was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in the Prewar Preservation class.

This Niclausse wears its original registration plate, B-971, signifying that it was the 971st car in Barcelona in 1908.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2024