1901 De Dion Bouton

This is one of the cars that took part in the Lancashire Automobile Club’s Manchester to Blackpool Veteran and Vintage Car in April 1965.

All that it says in the programme of the event is that it’s Ralph Wilde’s 1901 De Dion Bouton. It also took part in the Run in 1966, however, as number 4 and the programme on that occasion had this note about it:

 

4.       Mr. R. Wilde, Radford Semele, Leamington.

           1901 De Dion Bouton Voiturette 503 c.c.

This is the first of the four-wheeled De Dion petrol cars, as opposed to the earlier steamers. It is a  descendant of the tricycles and is the earliest example of the famous De Dion rear axle now used on high-performance cars, including the Rover 2000. This example was rebuilt from scratch by the present owner and the task took five years. Won the Matthew Brown and Carburol Trophies in 1965.

 

Note: The 1965 programme says that the Matthew Brown Trophy was awarded for the best performance by a Veteran Car, and the United Lubricants Carburol Trophy was awarded for the best combined performance on the road and in the Concours d’Elegance by a Veteran or Edwardian Car.