The names De Dion and Bouton are closely linked to the pioneering years of the automobile, initially in partnership with Trépardoux, in the construction of light steam wagons, the first of which in 1883. In the early 1890s, De Dion and Bouton turned their attention to internal combustion engines, which did not please Trépardoux who resigned in 1894, leaving it to his former partners to develop what was, in fact, the first high-speed internal combustion engine.
Moreover, Bouton’s engines achieved higher power ratings than those of his contemporaries Daimler and Benz, and kept pace with them in terms of reliability.
It is therefore not surprising, that De Dion Bouton engines were adopted by many other manufacturers of tricycles, quadricycles and light cars, both in Europe and in the United States, no doubt influenced by the success of his tricycles in events such as the Paris-Bordeaux and other endurance races of the time.
This vehicle is believed to be one of only seven in existence in the world, and features a wicker ‘Lady Trailer’ capable of accommodating a single passenger.
It was once on display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, England.
It is the most recent vehicle to integrate the permanent collection of the Museu do Caramulo and it is also the oldest combustion vehicle, in circulation conditions, in Portugal.
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