Item Details:

DE DION BOUTON

LA BELLE ÉPOQUE, 1902

Original Period Lithograph

Edition: Unknown

Publisher: Unknown

Stone Lithograph

Size: ___________

Signed: Recto, lower  right

Early automobile advertising meets early feminism illustrating the ease and pleasure of handling 6 hp, all to the chauffeur's chagrin

The De Dion 6

Though the voiturette was hardly an inspiring performer, it had the major advantage of an exceptionally easy two-speed gear-change by expanding clutches operated by a bar on the steering column. The rear-engined theme was progressively developed through models E, G, L, and J between 1899 and 1902, by which time horse-power had risen to six, and more conventional coachwork was available, including a rear entrance phaeton with a dummy bonnet. Then, in 1902, came the 8 hp model K, which combined a front-mounted engine with a coal-scuttle bonnet similar to that of the contemporary Renault.

An unusual feature of the control of these early De Dions (and one which persisted until World War 1) was the decelerator pedal which progressively reduced engine speed, then applied the transmission brake. Reliability was an outstanding feature of this model, which accounted for its appeal to the medical profession.

Permanent collection, Museum of Fine Arts & Popular Culture