Bonhams to auction rare vintage cars 'the last of its kind' in Veteran Cars sale
In what could be a string of rare vintage automobiles, Bonham’s is going to auction of some the last pieces of rare automobiles, including this 1902 Deckert 2-seater. Like most other in this lot, this car is perhaps the last surviving model of its series, and carries with history of over a century. Created in France’s Levallois Perret area, which was the hub of auto manufacturing of the European nation, this car was the brainchild of Henri Deckert after whom the name of 2-seater is derived.
Looking at its engine specs, one might not be amazed as vehicles these days seem to be packing in much more than this one. Having a sitting capacity for 2 adults, this car had an 864cc single cylinder, which had a power output of 8HP. The transmission was a 4 speed manual with 3 for front moving, and 1 for the reverse gear. What actually struck a note with us was the water cooling mechanism of its engine from the side mounted radiator system, much like what we see now days from Renault. The clutch plate was a singular unit, unlike the some of the multiple versions available these days, especially in the high-end of the market. The body’s design very much resembles a horse carriage design. The wheels on the front are comparatively smaller, and the rear ones are on the larger side, something which we noticed in the era. The upholstery reminds one of the horse driven regal carriages which had deep buttoned leather stitching, and brass fittings on the interiors.
This particular vehicle (chassis no.T145) has been in the limelight over the years, especially for the awards it picked up over its 100 year career, like the London to Brighton vintage car rally. It also saw a successful promotional run at the Circuit du Nord and Circuit des Andennes races. The winner of the auction, shall have detailed documentation including photographs of its racing history, restoration jobs in 1994, and even the earliest years of its production. The total package shall be available to a lucky bidder within the estimated range of $79,640-87,603. Also, a part of the sale, will be the 1898 Fission 8HP car (pictured below). Just like the Deckert, this is one of the rare samples in existence today.
The highlight of the London sale is a 113yr old 1898 Fisson 8hp Twin-Cylinder six-seat Wagonette that is estimated to ring in £150,000 - £170,000 (approx. $240,300 - $271,210).
For those who like cars from the earliest days of auto history, we earlier reported the World’s first production Bentley auction, and also the most expensive classic cars sold at auction. Hopefully the later had more contemporary vehicles, but carried a numerous vintage ones as well.
Via: Art Daily
