*** AUCTION *** - SNEAK PEEK

1898 DE-DION BOUTON TRICYCLE & SULKY

Possibly the Oldest Surviving Internal Combustion Engine Vehicle Sold New in Australia

Ford Discovery Centre Provenance - Extraordinary One-Family Ownership from New

Matching Number Original Components throughout.
Chassis No.: 2932
Engine No.: 10937

A landmark piece of Australian motoring history, this 1898 De-Dion Bouton Motor Tricycle & Sulky is believed to be the oldest surviving internal-combustion engine vehicle sold new in Australia, supported by exceptional provenance, period usage, and expert authentication.

Delivered new in 1898 to Dr Arthur Edward Syme of Lilydale, Victoria. the tricycle was purchased through Dalgety & Co., Geelong, then the sole De-Dion Bouton agents in Australia.

Dr Syme, a pioneering medical doctor and surgeon, used the motor tricycle for his rounds throughout the district, while the accompanying sulky transported patients requiring surgical treatment a remarkable and uniquely documented example of early motoring in professional service.

Unbroken SymeDennis Family Ownership from New:
After Dr Symes passing, the De-Dion Bouton was passed down within the SymeDennis family for more than a century to this current day. Later custodian J.T.S. Dennis continued the vehicles legacy, entering it into early VCCA (Victoria) events, confirming its long-standing connection to the earliest era of organised veteran motoring in Australia.

Authenticated by the Worlds Leading De-Dion Bouton Expert:
This tricycle has been expertly authenticated by Michael Edwards, widely regarded as the foremost global authority on De-Dion Bouton. Edwards is a published historian, author of multiple De-Dion Bouton reference works, and an active committee member of the De-Dion Bouton Club UK. His authentication of the engine and frame number as original to 1898 provides authoritative confirmation of the tricycles identity, originality, and significance within global De-Dion Bouton history.

Ford Discovery Centre Special Exhibition Piece:
Its historical importance saw it displayed for many years at the Ford Discovery Centre, Geelong, as a dedicated Special Exhibition until its closure in 2012. It is noted, the engine was started annually at the Ford Discovery Centre, as a yearly maintenance upkeep, while in their care.

Expert Restoration by Ford Engineer:
The machine was comprehensively restored by Mr Jack Hawke in 1997, a highly respected Ford Australia technical engineer who was involved in the Ford Cleveland V8 engine design and a noted vintage-vehicle specialist. His restoration work preserved the authenticity of all key components, ensuring this example remains one of the finest surviving De-Dion Bouton tricycles.

A Museum-Grade Survivor From the Birth of Motoring:
With fantastic provenance, expert verification, museum history, and over 125 years of continuous Australian custodianship, this 1898 De-Dion Bouton Tricycle & Sulky stands as one of the most significant early motorised vehicles ever offered at public auction in this country.

Offered now for the first time outside the Syme-Dennis family, this 1898 De-Dion Bouton Tricycle & Sulky represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire a true foundation stone of Australian automotive history.

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