A closer look at a De Dion Bouton Vis-à-vis

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Few manufacturers had as big an impact in the growing motorcar industry at the turn of the century as De Dion Bouton. Between 1900 and 1904 they were the worlds largest motor car and engine manufacturer selling around 40,000 engines and 3,000 cars. Their high revving engines and suspension design were revolutionary and many other manufacturers used these engines and ideas in their own cars.

De Dion Bouton Vis-à-vis

One of their most popular four-wheeled cars used the Vis-à-vis style of bodywork allowing four people to sit side by side and face to face. These lightweight machines had a single-cylinder engine, starting at 3.5HP with the type D in 1899 developing into the 6HP type L by 1904. The drive goes through a 2-speed expanding clutch gearbox and onto the patented rear axle design that was used by so many manufacturers for decades to come. With a top speed of around 30mph, excellent road holding and a reliable engine the De Dion was years ahead of its time.

By 1905 steel tube chassis were changing to pressed steel chassis and this style of bodywork was replaced with the more conventional style of car with two seats up front, a steering wheel and doors.

I find these early voiturette type cars fascinating and whenever I get the chance I try to have a good look under the cars to see the ingenious and varied designs that early engineers came up with for solving problems that have now morphed into one design solution. The De Dion does not disappoint with the beautiful castings and elegant engineering solutions hidden underneath.

In this video, I have tried to capture some of the features and technological achievements of these remarkable machines with a good look at the coachwork, a tour of its components, a peek at the engine followed by a trip out to try and work out how the myriad of controls and levers make this contraption drive.

Words, photos and video by Robert Ely - Gasolini.

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