Jules-Albert de Dion set out to manufacture steam cars late in the 19th century in the town of Puteaux, a suburb of Paris. He partnered with Georges Bouton and Charles Trépardoux to form De Dion-Bouton in 1883. Together the trio revolutionized the automotive industry with new technologies such as a modern rear axle design, V-8 engine, and rack and pinion steering.

This charming Type TKS’s earliest provenance is not known, but “Centre Régional de la Voiture Sport Auto Caravaning” is inscribed on the doors and tail, suggesting that it may have been used to caravan spectators of automobile races in the city of Marseille.

This De Dion-Bouton was part of the Schlumpf Reserve Collection and stored in Malmerspach, France for decades before being acquired by the Mullin Collection and displayed at the Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard, California. With its charmingly patinated livery and Schlumpf provenance, this De Dion would make an interesting addition to any museum display or French car collection.

*Please note that all of the Lots in this Auction have been in long-term static storage at the Mullin Automotive Museum and may not be currently operational. They will require mechanical attention and in some cases significant restoration prior to any road use.