1905 Léon Bollée 45 HP Side-Entrance Tonneau

Amédée-Ernest Bollée pivoted his bell foundry into the manufacture of large-scale steam-powered passenger vehicles. In 1903, his son, Léon Bollée, began to build cars which quickly earned a reputation for refined engineering and performance. This regal example is perfect evidence with its advanced 45 hp four-cylinder, T-head engine, and chain final drive. Matching its running gear is the equally high-quality coachwork by J. Rothschild et Fils.

The Bollée is believed to have been among the group of cars assembled by George Waterman and Kirk Gibson, and later passing through the hands of Dr. Sam Scher as part of his famed 41-car deal with Richard C. Paine in 1966. Charles LeMaitre of Hardwick, Massachusetts, a noted French car aficionado, acquired the Léon Bollée from Paine in the 1980s, and it was expertly restored for him by Carl Amsley.

Displayed on the lawn at Pebble Beach in 2017 and 2024, this car is a feast for the eyes, fascinating in its period detail, from its cast-aluminum dashboard oiler emblazoned with the Bollée name to its highly polished BRC lighting set, brass trim, and woodwork. A perfect entry for Horseless Carriage Club events or the Audrain Veteran Car Tour, this Bollée will reward its next owner with an exceptional combination of performance and style.

Notes Please note that this vehicle is titled as 00279.