More World Records

 

After bonanza sales at Monterey, where price records tumbled, the world’s oldest running motor car, a historic 1884 De Dion Bouton et Trepardoux Dos-a-Dos Steam Runabout, entered the history books at RM Auction’s Hershey Pennsylvania sale on October 7, making an impressive $4.2 million for it’s owner (the buyer paid $4,620,000 with buyer’s premium) double its pre-sale estimate.

 

 
Commissioned by Count de Dion and named ‘La Marquise’ after his mother, the 127 year-old vehicle drew a standing ovation from the audience as it drove onto RM’s Hershey auction stage.

 

The new owner joins an elite list of just five individuals, owners of La Marquise over its well-documented history. In addition to being the world’s oldest running motor car, La Marquise’s impressive provenance includes participation in the first automobile race in 1887, where it reached a top speed of 37mph, along with a double award at the 1997 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. In addition, La Marquise has also successfully completed four London to Brighton runs in the UK.
 

 

“We were honoured to have been entrusted with the sale of this most important motor car from the renowned collection of the late Mr. John O’Quinn. The world’s leading automotive collectors recognized the incredibly rare opportunity the sale represented, as was reflected in the spirited bidding and impressive result,” said Rob Myers, Chairman & Founder, RM Auctions following the sale.

 

For the Girl who has Everything

 

As Christmas approaches, we are bombarded with offers from providers of gifts, always for the motoring “man who has everything”. What about the girls? Will you be racing at Le Mans Classic, Goodwood or Silverstone Classic next year? Why not offer the woman in your life the chance to come to a race meeting in comfort and luxury? Maybe it would be easier to get her to come racing with you.

 

Le Mans Classic, for example, offers the “Le Mans Classic Privilege Package” that includes VIP access for one or two days. On the programme: general admittance and private grandstand, VIP car park, shuttles, access to the Privilege Area at the heart of the circuit, personalised welcome, lunch, open bar. Different options are possible, such as an excursion in a military jeep, a lap on the circuit or a helicopter flight above the track.

 

Nick Wigley, promoter of the Silverstone Classic event, has devised a special package for those who accompany drivers to the meeting, especially the women, who will have a special VIP viewing area, a dedicated shuttle service (maybe linked to a taxi service outside so they don’t have to come in at the crack of dawn with the men), a civilised and exclusive rest room facility with proper mirrors and a locker for extra jackets and a change of clothes, etc.

 

Maybe she’ll enjoy it so much she’ll want to come racing with you more often!