Steam car outstrips all pre-sale estimates

Date: 13.10.2011

Steam car outstrips all pre-sale estimates

Steam car outstrips all pre-sale estimates

Steam car outstrips all pre-sale estimates

Steam car outstrips all pre-sale estimates

Steam car outstrips all pre-sale estimates

Steam car outstrips all pre-sale estimates

Steam car outstrips all pre-sale estimates, fetching $4.62 million at auction

World's oldest runner fetches $4.62 million

Steam car fetches $4.62 million

The world's oldest running car, an 1884 de Dion Bouton et Trepardoux Dos-a-Dos Steam Runabout (now there's a catchy model name!) sold at a recent USA auction for $US4.62 million, around double the pre-sale estimate.

The car was driven on stage for the sale and has now moved on to its fifth owner in 127 years.

Named "le Marquise" after Count de Dion's mother, the machine features twin compound steam engines, spade handle steering and mechanical brakes. It's capable of a heady 38mph (61km/h) and can manage 20 miles (32km) on a tank of water.

The sale price is a new world record for an early motorcar and was achieved by RM Auctions.

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