NewUsed

Find by category:

Exhaust Notes

1884 De Dion Runabout Sells for $4.62 Million at RM Auction

By Jake Lingeman

By AutoWeek Oct 10, 2011 7:57AM

(Photo by RM Auctions.)




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 here.


Content provided by AutoWeek.

Get more Car News from AutoWeek.
Get the latest Car Reviews from AutoWeek.


27Comments
Oct 10, 2011 1:32PM
avatar

Top Gear should do a road test.  0-60 nine months.  It looks like it might be French, I notice a flag mount on the front left to accomodate a white T-shirt and a stick.  Seriously, I am alway happy when a piece of history remains intact.

Oct 10, 2011 1:22PM
Oct 10, 2011 3:38PM
avatar
i truly believe that  most of the people writng comments are still living in their parents home
Oct 10, 2011 12:20PM
Oct 10, 2011 7:33PM
avatar

I love how some have to throw in the whole like of "So many in our country are struggling to make ends meet" Please, everyone knows what is happening in the economy and we dont need any reminders. Jealousy is a horrible quality to have. If someone has money they have earned they can spend it however they wish, and should be able to do so without all the haters blasting them. Truth is, anyone that does so would do the same if they had great wealth, and they are fooling no one by saying otherwise.

Oct 10, 2011 1:45PM
avatar
Pure "NUTS"  !   Things are only worth what (one) is willing to pay for it !
Oct 10, 2011 2:09PM
avatar
Jay Leno likes steam cars. Maybe he bought it....... then again..... maybe not.
Oct 10, 2011 9:03PM
avatar

No matter how much money a person has they don't drop over 4 and a half mil on anything without a certain level of respect for the piece. this automobile will be well appreciated.

 

Oct 10, 2011 8:30PM
avatar
I wonder if Jay Leno bid on this.... hmmm
Oct 10, 2011 5:20PM
avatar
Wish someone would buy my 56' Mercury station wagon!:) 
Report
Please help us to maintain a healthy and vibrant community by reporting any illegal or inappropriate behavior. If you believe a message violates theCode of Conductplease use this form to notify the moderators. They will investigate your report and take appropriate action. If necessary, they report all illegal activity to the proper authorities.
Categories
100 character limit
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?

ABOUT EXHAUST NOTES

Cars are cool, and here at MSN Autos we love everything about them, but we also know they're more than simply speed and style: a car is an essential tool, a much-needed accessory to help you get through your day-to-day life. What you drive is also one of the most important investments you can make, so we'll help you navigate your way through the car buying and ownership experiences. We strive to be your daily destination for news, notes, tips and tricks from across the automotive world. So whether it's through original content from our world-class journalists or the latest buzz from the far corners of the Web, Exhaust Notes helps you make sense of your automotive world.

Have a story idea? Tip us off at exhaustnotes@live.com.