*** AUCTION *** - SNEAK PEEK
1898 DE DION-BOUTON TRICYCLE & SULKY
Possibly the Oldest Surviving ‘Internal Combustion Engine’ Vehicle Sold New in Australia
Ford Discovery Centre Provenance – Extraordinary One-Family Ownership from New
Matching Number Original Components throughout.
• Chassis No.: 2932
• Engine No.: 10937
A landmark piece of Australian motoring history, this 1898 De Dion-Bouton Motor Tricycle & Sulky is believed to be the oldest surviving internal-combustion engine vehicle sold new in Australia, supported by exceptional provenance, period usage, and expert authentication.
Delivered new in 1898 to Dr Arthur Edward Syme (1864–1943) of Lilydale, the tricycle was purchased through Dalgety & Co., Geelong, then the sole De Dion-Bouton agents in Australia.
Dr Syme, a pioneering medical doctor and surgeon, used the motor tricycle for his rounds throughout the district, while the accompanying sulky transported patients requiring surgical treatment — a remarkable and uniquely documented example of early motoring in professional service.
Dr Syme was also a prominent horse trainer, operating his stables on the historic 1,100-acre ‘Braeside’ estate in Mordialloc — a property he named and helped develop into one of Victoria’s best-known training grounds and home to 'Pharlap'.
Dr Syme was the third son of David Syme, the long-time influential newspaper proprietor and editor of 'The Age'. David Syme was described as “one of the great figures of Australian life” in a biography called David Syme: Man of the Age - by historian Elizabeth Morrison.
Unbroken Syme–Dennis Family Ownership from New:
After Dr Syme’s passing, the De Dion-Bouton was passed down within the Syme–Dennis family for more than a century to this current day. Later custodian J.T.S. Dennis continued the vehicle’s legacy, entering it into early VCCA (Victoria) events, confirming its long-standing connection to the earliest era of organised veteran motoring in Australia.
Authenticated by the World’s Leading De Dion-Bouton Expert:
This tricycle has been expertly authenticated by Michael Edwards, widely regarded as the foremost global authority on De Dion-Bouton. Edwards is a published historian, author of multiple De Dion-Bouton reference works, and an active committee member of the De Dion-Bouton Club UK. His authentication of the engine and frame number as original to 1898 provides authoritative confirmation of the tricycle’s identity, originality, and significance within global De Dion-Bouton history.
Ford Discovery Centre – Special Exhibition Piece:
Its historical importance saw it displayed for many years at the Ford Discovery Centre, Geelong, as a dedicated “Special Exhibition” until the centre’s closure in 2012. The engine was started annually as a yearly maintenance upkeep while in their care.
Expert Restoration by Ford Engineer:
The machine was comprehensively restored by Mr Jack Hawke in 1997, a highly respected Ford Australia technical engineer who was involved in the Ford Cleveland V8 engine design and a noted vintage-vehicle specialist. His restoration work preserved the authenticity of all key components, ensuring this example remains one of the finest surviving De Dion-Bouton tricycles.
A Museum-Grade Survivor From the Birth of Motoring:
With fantastic provenance, expert verification, museum history, and over 125 years of continuous Australian custodianship, this 1898 De Dion-Bouton Tricycle & Sulky stands as one of the most significant early motorised vehicles ever offered at public auction in this country.
Offered now for the first time outside the Syme–Dennis family, this 1898 De Dion-Bouton Tricycle & Sulky represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire a true foundation stone of Australian automotive history.
