• Delivered new in France
• Single family ownership from new until 1966
• Only a handful of owners from new
• Restored during the 2000s

"This car is the small version of our light cars, of graceful appearance, it can render the greatest services to people who do not want to exceed a certain purchase price". - Clément catalogue, 1902.

Already a successful maker of bicycles and pneumatic tyres – he owned the Dunlop patents in France - Adolphe Clément diversified into automobile manufacture, taking an interest in the existing Gladiator concern. Rear-engined tricycles and quadricycles were made at the Gladiator works in Levallois-sur-Seine before Clément began building a conventional front-engined light car around 1901. Clément's early vehicles were powered by Aster, Panhard and De Dion engines, all three makes being at the forefront of automobile development. With its water-cooled single-cylinder engine, two-speed Cardan shaft transmission and Dunlop clincher tires, this car was one of the more advanced of its day.

This exceptional example was purchased new in 1902 by a priest in Eure et Loire, and, remarkably, remained in his family's possession until 1966 when it was bought by Doctor Ferrand, a famous collector from the Sarthe region of France. For many years the Clément was exhibited in the Sarthe Automobile Museum before passing to another collector from the same region in 1982. Its new owner kept the car until 2000, participating in the Tour du Léman and the 1966 London-Brighton Veteran Car Run among other events.

From 2003 to 2022 the Clément was owned one family, and during their stewardship benefited from a comprehensive restoration to a high standard while retaining this well preserved car's numerous original features. It should be noted that the original carburettor has been replaced by an easier-to-adjust Longuemare (the original has been retained) while for greater safety, a handbrake has been fitted. Starting readily after only a quarter turn of the handle, this superb Clément Veteran represents the ideal acquisition with which to enjoy future London-to-Brighton Runs. Accompanying documentation includes copies of auction catalogue descriptions and its French Certificat d'Immatriculation.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.