AUCTION: 1898 De Dion-Bouton tricycle and sulky

Could this be the oldest surviving internal-combustion vehicle sold new in Australia?

Exceptional provenance – one prominent family ownership from new – Ford Discovery Centre Exhibition Piece

The intricate logo adorning the De Dion-Bouton tricycle. Image: Chicane Auctions

Carrying Chassis No. 2932 and Engine No. 10937, this remarkable 1898 De Dion-Bouton Motor Tricycle and Sulky stands as one of the most important survivors from the dawn of Australian motoring. Believed to be the oldest internal-combustion engine vehicle sold new in Australia, it is supported by provenance, period usage, and expert international authentication.

Delivered new in 1898 to Dr Arthur Edward Syme (1864–1943) of Lilydale, the machine was purchased through Dalgety & Co., Geelong, then the sole Australian agents for De Dion-Bouton.

A pioneering doctor and surgeon, Dr Syme used the tricycle for medical rounds throughout the district, while the accompanying sulky carried patients requiring surgical treatment — a rare, documented example of motorised transport used in early professional practice at the turn of the century.

The sulky offers a comfortable seat for passengers. Image: Chicane Auctions

Dr Syme was also a well-known horse trainer, establishing his operations on the historic 1,100-acre ‘Braeside’ estate in Mordialloc, a property he named and developed into one of Victoria’s leading training grounds and later home to Phar Lap.

Dr Syme was the third son of David Syme, long-time proprietor and editor of ‘The Age’ Newspaper, described by historian Elizabeth Morrison in her biography David Syme: Man of the Age as “one of the great figures of Australian life”.

An excerpt from the Australian Motorist featuring the tricycle. Image: Contributed by Chicane Auctions

Unbroken Syme–Dennis family custodianship

Following Dr Syme’s passing, the De Dion-Bouton remained within the Syme–Dennis family for more than a century. Later custodian J.T.S. Dennis continued its active legacy, running the tricycle in early VCCA (Victoria) events.

The compact tricycle with its engine mounted in the middle of the back axle. Image: Chicane Auctions

Authenticated by the world’s leading De Dion-Bouton authority

The tricycle has undergone number authentication by Michael Edwards, the world’s most recognised De Dion- Bouton historian, author, and committee member of the De Dion-Bouton Club UK. Edwards confirmed the originality of both engine and frame numbers, verifying the machine as a genuine 1898 example.

Marche to go and Arret to stop. Image: Chicane Auctions

Ford Discovery Centre – Long-Term Special Exhibition

Its importance led to many years of display at the Ford Discovery Centre in Geelong as a dedicated “Special Exhibition”, remaining there until the centre’s closure in 2012. During its tenure, the engine was started annually as part of the centre’s maintenance routine — a testament to the machine’s robust design and continued mechanical preservation.

The little engine was expertly fitted to power the rear wheels. Image: Chicane Auctions

Expert restoration by Ford Australia engineer

In 1997, the tricycle received a comprehensive restoration by Jack Hawke, a respected Ford Australia technical engineer known for his involvement in the Cleveland V8 program and for his deep expertise in early motoring machinery. His work faithfully preserved the originality of all major components, ensuring this example remains one of the most authentic De Dion-Bouton tricycles.

The detailed work is stunning. Image: Chicane Auctions

A Museum-Grade artefact from the birth of internal combustion motoring

With unmatched provenance, expert verification, museum exhibition history and more than 125 years of continuous Australian ownership, this 1898 De Dion-Bouton Tricycle and Sulky is not merely a collectible — it is a foundation stone of Australia’s automotive history.

Offered for the first time outside the Syme–Dennis family, it represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to acquire one of the earliest motorised vehicles ever presented at public auction in Australia.

Examples of this significance are seldom available to private ownership, generally residing within major museums. Please contact Chicane Auctions for further insight and inspection.