1900 Phebus-Aster ‘Automobilette’ 3 1/2HP Two Seater
Registration No. BC149
Chassis No. 606
Engine No. 2130
VCC Dating Certificate No. 725
£POA
Taking its name from Phoebus, the Greek god who drove the sun across the heavens each day, the Phebus was built between 1899 and 1903 in the Parisian suburb of Suresnes by Noe Boyer & Cie, who also marketed the Boyer car.
Phebus was initially known for its very fast and powerful Aster engined tricycles, one of which achieved the then breakneck speed of almost 39mph on the Crystal Palace velodrome ridden by Charles Jarrott. His racing companion on that occasion was F.F Wellington who imported Phebus machines into England. The tricycles were soon joined by a two speed Voiturette powered by a rear mounted single cylinder 397cc aster engine. ‘BC149’ is the only known example of this marque to survive worldwide.
The history of ‘BC149’ can be traced back to March 1904 when a Leicester based cycle manufacturer bought the then 4 year old car for the princely sum of ‘eighty golden sovereigns’ on a visit to London and had it transported home by rail on the train from St Pancras station.
He drove the car daily until 1912, when it was replaced with a more modern and larger car. The car was then stored on a raised platform in his engineering shop and remained there for some 40+ years. In 1956 the Phebus-Aster was discovered on its lofty perch in a very poor state and was acquired by a Mr E.R. Harrison who spent the following year restoring it. The car made its first public appearance on 26th April 1958 at the Veteran Car Club Luton Hoo Rally where it was hailed as ‘a very interesting and original newcomer’. Later that summer it was awarded a dating certificate from the VCC stating its year of manufacture as 1900.
‘BC149’ became a regular participant in the London to Brighton Run and is said to have covered some 2,000 miles from 1958-1968, an incredible feat for a car of this size. In 1963 the car was exhibited at the Paris Salon de L’Automobile as part of a cavalcade of Veteran cars from Britain that were guests of honour at the show. The car is also featured in beautiful illustration in the book Sixty Miles of Pencil.
The car was campaigned until the end of Mr Harrison’s life in 1976 and then remained in store until 2005 at which point it was offered for sale and purchased by the current custodians.
Having owned the car for the last 20 years, the current keepers have undertaken an exceptional and detailed restoration of the car and it is thanks to this attention to detail and quality of work that the car presents today in exquisite condition throughout. With bills on file amounting to astronomical sums, the Phebus is looking better than ever today.
A truly exceptional history file accompanies the sale, filled with period images, invoices for work carried out, original buff logbook and VCC Dating Certificate, this wonderful car is ready to be enjoyed by a new custodian and will surely bring them many years of joy as it has brought to others involved in its story. The car starts with ease and is ready for any inspection.
