The names De Dion and Bouton are closely associated with the pioneering years of the automobile, initially in partnership with Trépardoux in the construction of lightweight steam carriages, the first of which in 1883. In the early 1890s, De Dion and Bouton turned their attention to internal combustion engines, which did not sit well with Trépardoux, who resigned in 1894, leaving his former partners to develop what was indeed the first high-speed internal combustion engine.
Furthermore, Engineer Bouton’s power units achieved greater power than their counterparts and contemporaries Daimler and Benz, matching them in terms of reliability.
It’s no wonder, then, that De Dion Bouton engines were adopted by many other tricycle, quadricycle, and light car manufacturers, both in Europe and the United States, undoubtedly influenced by the success of their tricycles in events like the Paris-Bordeaux and other endurance races of the time.
This vehicle is believed to be one of seven in existence worldwide, featuring a wicker “Lady’s Phaeton” capable of accommodating a single passenger. It was once on display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, England. It is the latest vehicle to join the permanent collection of the Museu do Caramulo and is also the oldest combustion vehicle in circulation in Portugal.