An early French pioneer of the automobile industry operating out of Suresnes, Noél Boyer began developing a horseless carriage in 1895, and eventually began producing a petrol-powered tricycle of the fashion of the time. He eventually merged his original concern with Gladiator and Clément, then returned to independent manufacture in 1902 with Boyer et Cie, building lightweight voiturettes with Aster and de Dion engines. While never a high-volume company, Boyer et Cie enjoyed some worldwide notoriety for its vehicles.

The example offered here is believed to be the only extant twin-cylinder Boyer. It features a water-cooled E Buchet engine with a pushrod-operated overhead exhaust valve, delivering 9 horsepower to the rear axle through a three-speed transmission and shaft drive—a rather up-to-the-minute and quite advanced configuration for the period. Based upon a plaque on the front splash guard, it was originally delivered by the Leon Molon Garage of Le Havre but is believed to have been moved to the United States in the postwar era.

For some years part of the collection of Oklahoma motorcoach magnate L K Newell, the Boyer was sold by him to Phillip Reed of California, a well-known Horseless Carriage Club of America member. As purchased, it was in very original and intact condition. A photograph in the file depicts it at the Newell carriage house, in an order that today would likely demand preservation. Mr Reed restored the car to its present livery of deep olive green with straw yellow frame, running gear, and wheels, and fitted a modern starter motor for ease of operation. Following the restoration Mr Reed used his Boyer with great passion, including bringing it across the Atlantic eight times to undertake the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. In his ownership, the car was also dated as a 1902 model by the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain.

The present owner, an avid enthusiast of mechanically fascinating automobiles of all eras, acquired the car from Reed’s collection in 2020. It was mechanically refreshened, including a rebuild of the valvetrain and rear leaf springs, fitment of a new water tank, and installation of a new fuel system and tyres. The Boyer again undertook the Veteran Car Run in 2021, 2022, and 2023, arriving in Brighton with the consignor’s family happily aboard. It also participated in three Audrain Veteran Car Runs in Rhode Island—and has always completed the events, even while carrying a full complement of passengers—climbing hills well and running strongly.

A wonderful, proven London to Brighton entrant, this car retains its original bodywork, including the rear tonneau and hood, as well as wonderful originality of mechanical components, including the original carburettor and radiator—all testament to its excellent condition prior to restoration. It has abundant power, charm, and character, as well as very modern Panhard-like styling and engineering. This Boyer is sure to win new fans with its next owner, on either side of the Atlantic.