American De Dion was not what you’d call a success story. Like dozens of other companies, De Dion-Bouton Motorette Company obtained license to produce a foreign make in the US, unlike, say, American Fiat, the factory at 37th Street and Church Lane in Brooklyn didn’t turn out fine automobiles; they were only in business for a year and in that time developed a reputation for unreliability. De Dion’s American agent was soon taking out ads claiming violation of contract, and asking for a new manufacturer to come forward.
Needless to say, American De Dions aren’t exactly cluttering up the streets, but Donald G Meyer in New Jersey has what he calls a 1901 Vis-a-vis for sale. DDBMC called it the New York Motorette, and how cool is that?
It’s London-to-Brighton eligible, of course, and a London-to-Brighton veteran, and there’s always a market for proven Veteran cars; Meyer is asking $125,000.
1901 DeDion Vis-a-vis . 3 ½ Hp, Brooklyn-built. Very original yellow paint and black leather, with very rare large fringed Parasol, earliest small oilers, white rubber floor mat with Brooklyn insignia and extremely early headlight. Did London-Brighton in 1988. Engine rebuilt with oil ring and transmission relined. Runs very well. Came from Ben Moser estate. $125,000
