truesee's Blog

 

 

When the world’s oldest driveable car crossed the auction stage Friday night at the Hershey Lodge, it was expected to fetch between $2 million and $2.5 million.

But with the final gavel pound — after 15 minutes of tense back-and-forth bidding — the 127-year-old, steam-powered vehicle belonged to its fifth owner.

Final price bid, $4.2 million. Final price, with a 10 percent buyer’s premium: $4.62 million to an undisclosed bidder.

The De Dion Bouton Et Trepardoux Dos-A-Dos Steam Runabout, or La Marquise, was the star of the show at Friday’s auction by RM Auctions.

It might run on steam, but the vehicle — which resembles a locomotive as much as a car — has four wheels, front-wheel steering, seating for four and a top speed of about 38 mph.

A one of a kind, the Dos-A-Dos boasts a well documented history with only a handful of owners.

That plus its age and meticulous maintenance all combined to drive it into the million-dollar-plus price range.

There are older cars, but unlike other museum pieces, La Marquise is the oldest known vehicle to still be running.

Start the boilers, pop in some coal or coke, wait 45 minutes for the steam to build up pressure, and it could be driven around town.

RM’s auction team proved that point Friday evening to the delight of the crowd when it drove the contraption across the stage.

It’s exhaust fumes were a white cloud of steam.