1901 De Dion Bouton Type G Vis a Vis 4.5HP - VCC Dated
Registration No. BS8684
Engine No. 6011
Chassis No. 1211
VCC Dating Certificate No. 1335
£75,000 GBP
The first De Dion Bouton’s were of the ‘Vis a Vis’ type, with the occupants facing two by two. The engines varied in size from 1.25HP in 1896 through to 4.5HP by 1900/1901. These engines were all characterised by atmsopheric inlet valves and a mechanical exhaust valve with a range of carburettors, often supplied by Longuemare. They were known for their reliability and ease of maintenance, a quality attested by the number of engines that survive today.
The vehicle presented here today is a fine example of the Type G 4.5HP model, made between late 1900-1902. Well known in both VCC circles and particularly in Holland where it spent most of its life, this beautifully presented example has some differences to others of its kind. Exported new to Holland, the car was sold to B.A Jansen Cycles which we can see from the original purchase invoice that accompanies the sale. The car was fitted at factory with larger 30” X 3 1/2” rear wheels (26” X 3” standard) which were made for use on the flat roads of the continent, this is the only known survivor that features this modification.
The car continued life in Holland for its next 3 owners (Messrs Daams, Heringa and Laarman) although it was the latter that first presented the vehicle to the VCC of Great Britain in mid 1973 with the goal of taking part in the annual London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. The car was easily dated as 1901, a credit to its beautiful condition and originality. The file also included some early images of the vehicle showing the registration number N84, featuring a pram style hood for which the fixings remain in place today.
The car was said to have undergone a restoration in the 1950s, but it has received a wonderful amount of care and attention, with work to the transmission (2003), the Conrod and big end bearing (2005), wheel spokes (2010) and a cosmetic freshen up in 2011. Remarkably, the Coachwork and upholstery remain original. ‘BS8684’ has taken part in a host of rallies over the years including Bodensee, Vannes, Lake Geneva and The London to Brighton, for which it has completed on 5 occasions.
Few 1901 De Dion Boutons with the larger 4.5HP capacity survive, let alone cars with provenance back to day one, unique specification and original coachwork as presented here.
