Beschreibung:

By the end of the Edwardian era De Dion Bouton, which had commenced motor manufacture with light steam carriages and enjoyed huge success with their later, single-cylinder, relatively high-revving engines around the turn of the century, had begun producing a splendid range of multi-cylinder, internal combustion engined cars. This rare Type GB, 12hp four-cylinder car is believed to be the only survivor of this model in the UK. Discovered in the UK mechanically complete, with bonnet scuttle and rather fragmentary front wings, it was restored and fitted with a most appropriate period-style town car body in keeping with those that paraded the Parisian boulevards in 1915. Previously owned by Veteran Car Club past presidents Jim Crossman and Nigel Bradshaw, the car - remarkably - enjoyed a brief sojourn in Hawaii before returning to these shores in 1990. It has since undergone significant improvement - while in the previous ownership - being fitted with an electric starter for convenience and shock absorbers for greatly improved handling. Thus equipped the car saw regular use, demonstrating a respectable turn of speed. The present owner purchased the car at Brooks’ Harrogate Sale in November 1999, since when it has remained in his private collection, seeing little use. It is attractively finished in two-tone blue livery with varnished wood wheels, black upholstery to the chauffeur’s compartment and blue/grey buttoned cloth to the rear. Railway carriage windows, a flower vase, silk pulls and a newspaper net evoke memories of the Edwardian parlour, and the fitted picnic basket to the rear would ideally suit that afternoon spin around the Bois de Boulogne. Running equipment includes a spare wheel, brass acetylene headlamps and oil ‘King of the Road’ sidelamps. An elegant six-seater Edwardian and a splendid wedding car, it is offered with VCC Dating Certificate, road fund licence to March 2005, MoT to October 2005 and Swansea V5 registration document.