1912 De Dion Bouton Type DH

By 1912, tricycle cars, that put de Dion-Bouton onto the vehicle producer map, are considered an out-of-date concept. These vehicles, certainly amusing but unreliable and dangerous do not generate much interest with prospective buyers any longer. De Dion-Bouton realize this, and focus their production on larger, heavier cars with bodywork and (slight) protection from the elements. The type DH was a relatively affordable model that was available with different body styles. Power came from a 1.6 litre four-cylinder in-line engine that developed around 9 hp and was good for around 50km/h. On rare occasions, the rolling chassis would be fitted with a closed limousine-style body, though most cars were delivered featuring an open two-seater layout, such as the car on offer here, a Single Phaeton version. The Single Phaeton model can be easily identified by its two seat-front row, whereas the double Phaeton has an added rear bench and can fit up to 4 passenger. Given the modest power output and the subjectively prettier and certainly lighter layout, the Single Phaeton version has our vote. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a desirable pre-War car that will certainly make heads turn!

The de Dion-Bouton on offer presents exceptionally well in all aspects. The vehicle has had a thorough restoration and the paint is as new. No visible defects are noted. The polished brass surfaces of the lights, radiator and horn have a beautiful patina with no traces of corrosion. The wooden wheels are in equally solid condition and the owner reports that the tyres do not show much signs of age or wear. In fact, since buying the car in 2018, the family has driven the de Dion-Bouton for a mere 100kms. Consequently, this veteran car has not seen any rain, and the beige soft top is in as-new condition. The radiator is not damaged and shows no sign of leaking. The running boards, often the first parts to show wear or get damaged, can only be described as immaculate.

When looking at the interior of the car (if one can call it interior given the open bodywork), it becomes evident that the quality restoration has held up very well with little to no wear to the floor surfaces, the interior of the soft top and the beautiful dark red leather upholstery. The pictures clearly speak for themselves and are the best testament to the quality of the car on offer that we can provide. A leather pouch to fit the most essential tooling, an old wooden box that fits the trunk an original de Dion-Bouton roadmap booklet of France and various books about the brand complement the car’s interior equipment.

Moving onto the mechanical aspects of the car, we could not identify any major sources of leaks. The cables and rubber hoses are in good condition, and everything seems to be in its right place. Engine, gearbox and differential are slightly wet, but we consider this amount of oil loss to be perfectly normal, even for much more recent cars. Neither chassis and exhaust system nor moving parts show any signs of rust or apparent damages. All components seem to have been greased as required, and the owner confirms that a service was done two weeks ago.

The number stampings on engine block and differential are clearly visible in the pictures attached but do not give us an indication whether they are original to this car or not. All we can state is that none of the stampings look like they have been modified or restamped.

Overall, the mechanicals of the car make a solid, clean, and well-maintained impression.

Nothing is known about the early history of the car, but by 1959, the Type DH had found its way to New Zealand where it would reside in single ownership until purchased by the enthusiast seller from France.

Pre-war cars do not often come to market and if so, are frequently in a sorry state and need considerable amounts of work. The de Dion-Bouton Type DH on offer here is thus a rare opportunity to acquire a reliable and affordable vehicle in excellent running condition. The new owner can enjoy the car on a regular basis as these are motors that have built a +100-year reputation of being solid and easy to maintain. It is not a fast or sporty car, but it will surely generate interested looks and passionate conversations everywhere the new owner decides to show up. The current owner enthusiastically entered his de Dion-Bouton at the Groussay Concours d’Elégance and at the 24 Tours de Rambouillet where the car ran flawlessly and generated lots of admiration from spectators and other entrants alike.

We're confident to offer this stunning De Dion Bouton with an estimate of €27,500 - €40,000.