1884 De Dion Runabout Sells for $4.62 Million at RM Auction
By Jake Lingeman
By AutoWeek Oct 10, 2011 7:57AM

Two weeks ago we told you about one of the world's oldest running motor cars going up for auction in Hershey, Pa. That car, the 1884 De Dion Bouton Et Trepardoux Dos-A-Dos Steam Runabout, sold on Oct. 7 for more than double its estimated price--a cool $4.62 million. That includes a 10 percent buyer's premium.

The 127-year-old vehicle drew a standing ovation from the crowd, according to RM Auctions, which presided over the sale. Bidding started at $500,000 before immediately jumping to $1 million, which brought another round of applause.

The final price represents a new world record for an early motor car sold at auction, according to RM.

The winner will be the fifth owner of the historic machine. It was offered from the estate of John O'Quinn, a collector who bought the car from British Veteran Car Club member Tim Moore.

Moore toured the car in the 1990s after restoring it to full working condition. The De Dion also won the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 1997.

"We were honored to have been entrusted with the sale of this most important motor car from the renowned collection of the late John O'Quinn. The world's leading automotive collectors recognized the incredibly rare opportunity the sale represented, as was reflected in the spirited bidding and impressive result," said Rob Myers, chairman and founder of RM Auctions.

Check out the full story of the 1884 De Dion Bouton Et Trepardoux Dos-a-Dos Steam Runabout from last month. Content provided by AutoWeek.

NOTE: This car pre-dates FIRST Locomobile (1899) steam car by 15 years and first gas powered Locomobile (1904) by 20 years!!
Lance C.

Where Are You From? Niceville, Florida

Do You own a car built by Durant? 1925 and 26 Locomobile JR-8's, 1928 Loco 8-70, 30 Durant 610

If you want to see more on the De Dion and a U-tube video of it on a road in England, check out my second favorite web site www.prewarcar.com. Scroll down to the bottom and click on page 4 of the previous features.
Also, check out the 2nd entry on the first page.
Gary

Where Are You From? Washington State

Do You own a car built by Durant? Yes

Gary,
Thanks this is a great web site (I bookmarked it!) and a teriffic U-Tube video too. Lots of fun, with sight and sound on this "Oldie"!

Found out this morning this 1884 De Dion car could go about 38 Mph but you had to refill the water tank every 20 miles and of course restock the fire box with Coal, Wood or even scraps of Paper!

Very neat car concept ("Steam"), sounds like something we could really use today in late 2011 to use up all the Junk Mail. But making a fire then waiting 20 minutes for the water to heat, and make Steam might be a problem for some. Then getting the concept of an "Open Fire with Live Steam...and lots of Hot Things" past all the lawyers and OSHA would pose a big problem too in today's world, ha,ha!

Thanks again,
Lance C.

Where Are You From? Niceville, Florida

Do You own a car built by Durant? 1925 and 26 Locomobile JR-8's, 1928 Loco 8-70, 30 Durant 610