1898 DE DION-BOUTON TRICYCLE AND SULKY

MODEL OVERVIEW:

The De Dion-Bouton tricycles of the late 1800’s were among the earliest production built petrol-powered vehicles and the most successful, representing a pivotal step in the transition from steam to internal-combustion motoring.

Built around De Dion’s ingenious lightweight single-cylinder engine, these tricycles offered remarkable reliability, ease of use and performance for their era. With a tubular steel frame, bicycle-style front steering, and minimal controls, the De Dion-Bouton tricycle became the world’s first truly practical motor vehicle, widely sold, exported globally and forming the mechanical foundation for countless early automobiles.

Its influence on the birth of motoring cannot be overstated — these machines opened the door to accessible motorised transport and set the template for the automotive industry that followed.

AUCTION VEHICLE:

1898 DE DION-BOUTON TRICYCLE & SULKY

• Possibly the First and Oldest Surviving ‘Internal Combustion Engine’ Vehicle Sold New in Australia

•  Extraordinary One-Family Ownership from New

• Ford Discovery Centre Museum Provenance

• Verified Matching Number 1898 model.

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. This fine example is supported by exceptional provenance, period usage, and expert authentication.

First Owner:

Delivered new to Dr Arthur Edward Syme (1864–1943) of Lilydale, the tricycle was purchased through Dalgety & Co., Geelong in late 1890’s, the 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.

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 Syme-Dennis continued the vehicle’s legacy, entering it into early VCCA – Veteran Car Club of Australia (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, a 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 numbers along with its unique features as a 1898 model, provides authoritative confirmation of the tricycle’s identity, originality, and significance within global De Dion-Bouton history.

Authenticated by respected Australian Vintage Car Historian:

Period documentation authored near three decades ago by respected Veteran Car Club of Australia member and historian Graeme Jarrett, who personally inspected the tricycle pre-restoration at the family residence. His published article, “The De Dion Bouton Tricycle of Doctor Arthur Edward Syme, Lilydale,” documents its condition, originality, and continuous family history. Graeme Jarrett has inspected the vehicle at the Chicane Auctions Showroom and kindly granted permission to reference and reproduce his written material.

Ford Discovery Centre Museum – 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 as part of maintenance upkeep by Ford, 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.

Chassis Number: 2932

Engine Number: 10937

NOTE: A Vendor Bid has been placed to commence the auction in accordance with the auction rules.

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Transport:

Estimate costs for Enclosed Transport from Chicane Auctions Melbourne Showroom to:

• SYDNEY – $1,600+*
• COFFS HARBOUR – $2,000+*
• BRISBANE – $3,000+*
• ADELAIDE – $1,600+*
• PERTH – $4,500+*

*Prices are indicative estimates, pending final delivery address.

Chicane supply the winner with a list of trusted Classic Car Transport companies. The buyer is responsible for arranging with transport company & all costs.

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