In 1897, De Dion began building tricycles using high-speed engines. These became an immediate success, selling over 15,000 units by the time production stopped in 1905. On 12 April 1902, the French racer Georges Osmont set a speed record of 109.1 km/h using a De Dion-Bouton tricycle.

Manufactured sometime in the first six months of 1899, this De Dion-Bouton Tricycle was first built as a 1¾ HP example, and was later upgraded to 2¼ HP specification. Thought to be supplied new in the UK by William Morris—founder of Morris and MG, later Lord Nuffield—the first known owner was Mr H. J. B. Slatter of Stratford-upon-Avon.

Registering the tricycle with the number “AC 102”, having purchased it from Morris Cycles Shop in Oxford, Mr Slatter is known to have used the De Dion for camping expeditions to Wales. He also installed a front-facing basket that was used to carry his dog during local journeys. Following his death in the early 1960s, his family sold the tricycle, which by then had been dismantled, to a Mr M. Pitts.

Changing hands again on 26 June 1967, the then-owner, Mr A. Butterworth, later reassembled this De Dion and on 18 January 1973 received a VCC certificate of dating, which is present on file today. The De Dion was then acquired by the previous owner, Mr M. C. Pleasants, in September 1974. He would cherish this tricycle and carry out much of the historical research of this veteran vehicle’s history.

Acquired by the consigning owner from Mr Pleasants some 35 years ago, the vehicle has been used on the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on three occasions, the most recent around a decade ago. Today, this De Dion presents well, but would benefit from an inspection and service prior to road use. It is accompanied by a wonderful history file with documentation relating to the history of the vehicle, dozens of technical drawings, as well as starting instructions, specification sheets, period photographs, and the all-important VCC dating certificate.

Once back on the road, this tricycle’s two-speed gearing would make it easily manoeuvrable in traffic, which would be necessary for London to Brighton Run entrants as cars reach city streets after exiting Hyde Park. The favourable power-to-weight ratio of vehicles such as this often makes them the first to finish these events. This charming trike is certainly a contender for interested parties looking for a unique veteran vehicle to field in the RM Sotheby’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.