Description
The De Dion-Bouton Phaeton was a stylish and practical open-bodied automobile produced during the early years of the 20th century by one of France’s most influential car manufacturers. Known for its pioneering engine design and dependable engineering, De Dion-Bouton helped shape the early automotive industry, and the Phaeton body style became one of the company’s most recognisable offerings.
The term “Phaeton” referred to a specific type of open carriage-style body, typically featuring two or more rows of seating and minimal weather protection. In the case of De Dion-Bouton, the phaeton body was often mounted on lightweight but sturdy chassis powered by the company’s single- or multi-cylinder petrol engines, depending on the model and year of production.
In the earliest versions, usually dating from around 1900 to 1905, the Phaeton body was paired with rear-mounted, single-cylinder engines producing between 6 and 8 horsepower. These cars used chain drive and a two-speed gearbox, and were best suited for short to medium journeys. Despite their modest output, these vehicles were smooth, reliable, and simple to operate—ideal qualities for early motorists.
By the later 1900s and into the 1910s, De Dion-Bouton began offering more powerful phaeton models equipped with four-cylinder engines, usually mounted at the front of the chassis. These later phaetons offered 15 to 20 horsepower, shaft drive, and three- or four-speed gearboxes, which allowed for higher speeds and more versatile driving across the growing network of roads in France and beyond.
The typical De Dion-Bouton Phaeton had a long, open body with room for four to five passengers seated in two rows. The body was usually mounted high off the ground and featured folding canvas tops that could be raised in bad weather. Early models used wooden artillery wheels with pneumatic tires, and braking was achieved through a transmission brake and mechanical rear brakes. Suspension was provided by leaf springs, which, combined with the car’s relatively light construction, gave a reasonably comfortable ride.
The interiors were generally simple but tastefully appointed, often upholstered in leather with brass fittings and hardwood dashboard trim. Instruments were minimal—sometimes limited to an oil pressure gauge and an ammeter—but the overall feel was refined for the time.
The De Dion-Bouton Phaeton appealed to both private owners and commercial clients. Its open layout and dependable mechanicals made it ideal for light touring, city travel, and even early taxi use. For families and upper-middle-class buyers, the Phaeton offered a fashionable way to enjoy the excitement of motoring.
Today, surviving examples of De Dion-Bouton Phaetons are rare and cherished by collectors of veteran and Edwardian-era cars. They represent a key chapter in motoring history, embodying the transition from the horseless carriage to the true automobile—with elegance, engineering, and the adventurous spirit of a new era.