1912 De Dion-Bouton TYPE DG 8HP TORPÉDO

Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia Auction|11 October 2020, 13:00 EDT|Philadelphia, Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum

1912 De Dion-Bouton Type DG 8HP Torpédo
Chassis no. 7446
Engine no. 4407

1,486cc, Side-Valve 2-Cylinder Water-cooled Engine
Single Cox Atmos Carburetor
8bhp
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring Suspension
Rear Mechanical Drum and Transmission Brake

*Sporting 2-place Torpedo bodywork
*Original UK Delivery example
*Sophisticated engine and De Dion rear axle design
*Offered from the Petersen Automotive Museum Vault Collection

Previewing in Los Angeles, California by appointment. Please contact [email protected] for scheduling.

THE DE DION-BOUTON

The names of De Dion and Bouton are inextricably linked with the pioneering years of the motor car, initially in company with Trépardoux, who can be credited with the 'De Dion' axle design in which power is transmitted to the road wheels via universally jointed shafts from a final-drive unit attached rigidly to the chassis, while a tubular 'dead' axle accommodates both vehicle weight and wheel location. Engineer Bouton's internal combustion engines developed significantly greater output than their contemporaries yet matched them for reliability. Early cars featured rear mounted single cylinder engines but from 1902 onwards the firm began to adopt what would become accepted as the conventional layout for a motorcar. By this time, De Dion's fast-revving engines were offered in 4½hp, 6hp and 8hp variants and all featured atmospheric inlet and mechanical exhaust valves.

Twin cylinder De Dion Bouton automobiles were offered from 1903 onwards, and they followed a monobloc form, mated to three speed transmissions which initially were combined within the rear axle. This format evolved progressively, but despite the introduction of fours and even their pioneering V8 in 1912, a two-cylinder continued to remain within their range, the principal difference being the arrival of mechanical inlet valves in 1907.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This charming teen era twin-cylinder De Dion-Bouton is a Model DG which was introduced in 1911 and produced through 1912, a '12' suffix to the engine stamping, dating it from the latter year. Retaining its supply plates, these confirm it was supplied originally by the highly successful British agency for De Dion on Great Marlborough Street, in London, while a 'S' prefixed British License plate still fitted to the car, suggests that it may have spent time in Scotland. The car is fitted with a stylish and sporting two-seat Torpédo body, possibly built at a later date. The aged restoration should be easy to freshen up, and after a mechanical refurbishment, the car should be in running order. Offered from the Petersen Automotive Museum Vault Collection, it was originally donated by long term owner GR Howard. This is a lovely example of a sporting model from one of the most desirable manufacturers of motorcars of the Edwardian period.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
A 3rd party bidding platform fee of 4% + VAT of the Hammer Price for Buyers using the following bidding platforms will be added to the invoices of successful Buyers for auctions starting on or after 6th July 2024 – Invaluable; Live Auctioneers; The Saleroom; Lot-tissimo.
VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Buyers Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Payment Notices
Click here for detailed information about the event including viewing dates, times and locations.
Shipping Notices
Los Angeles & New York Auctions
If you have requested a shipping quote, we will send this to you via email within 5 business days of the auction ending.
Please note our shipping quotes are bespoke and require special care and handling from our team and shippers. Shipping will be booked after payment is received. Please allow 7-14 business days from the time of booking for packing and dispatch, depending on your chosen shipping method. If your purchase is time sensitive, or you wish to explore other options, please see our list of alternative third party shippers in New York and Los Angeles who may be able to assist you.
Oversized Lots
Please note that all lots marked with a W in the catalogue are oversized and subject to additional storage and shipping methods. All additional lots purchased with W lots are considered group lots and will be subject to the same terms as W lots.
W Lots will be transferred to offsite storage at DTD Fine Art Services at the buyer's risk and expense within five (5) business days following the auction. Please contact the Client Services team at [email protected] for the exact movement date.
The per-lot charges levied by DTD Fine Art Services are as follows (plus any applicable sales tax):
FURNITURE/LARGE OBJECTS
Transfer .................. $75
Daily storage........... $10
Insurance (on Hammer + Premium + tax) 0.3%
SMALL OBJECTS
Transfer ................. $37.50
Daily storage........... $5
Insurance (on Hammer + Premium + tax) 0.3%
Please note property is also subject to a Cross Dock Release Fee ($25 for Smalls and $45 for Furniture and Large Objects) & if charges are paid with a credit card, Door to Door Fine Art Services will charge a 3% Convenience Fee.
If you have any questions, please contact our Client Services team.
Boston & Marlborough Auctions
Please click HERE for detailed collection and shipping information for Boston and Marlborough auctions.
- Automobilia
- Cars