Description
The De Dion-Bouton Tricycle 1.25 HP was one of the earliest and most influential motor vehicles of the late 19th century. Introduced in the mid-1890s by the French manufacturer De Dion-Bouton, it played a crucial role in popularizing motorized transport and demonstrated the practical viability of the internal combustion engine for everyday use.
At the heart of the tricycle was a small single-cylinder, air-cooled engine mounted behind the rear axle. This engine initially produced around 0.75 horsepower but was soon improved to deliver 1.25 horsepower. It featured a mechanically operated inlet valve and a hot-tube ignition system, which was later replaced by the more reliable electric ignition. The engine was remarkably advanced for its time, capable of revving higher and running more smoothly than many of its competitors.
Power was transmitted to the rear wheels via a belt drive, and the tricycle could reach speeds of up to 30 km/h (about 19 mph). Steering was accomplished through a set of handlebars connected to the single front wheel, much like a bicycle. Braking was rudimentary, typically using a spoon brake system acting on the front tire.
The frame was constructed from lightweight steel tubing, and the vehicle rode on large, spoked wheels with solid rubber tires. The seat was mounted centrally over the frame, offering a relatively comfortable upright riding position for the driver. Although basic by modern standards, the tricycle’s simplicity and dependability made it highly practical for its time.
One of the key innovations of the De Dion-Bouton tricycle was its engine design, which became widely copied by other manufacturers. The engine’s reliability, ease of use, and efficient operation helped it become a standard for early motor vehicles. In fact, many other marques licensed the engine or adapted its design in the late 1890s and early 1900s.
The De Dion-Bouton tricycle was not only a commercial success but also a popular competitor in early motor races. It participated in numerous endurance and speed events, proving that petrol-powered vehicles could be both fast and durable. Its success encouraged the public to embrace motorized transport at a time when horse-drawn carriages were still the norm.
Today, the De Dion-Bouton Tricycle 1.25 HP is regarded as a landmark in automotive history. Surviving examples are prized by collectors and museums as symbols of the dawn of motoring. Their elegant mechanical simplicity and historical importance make them a vital link in the story of the modern automobile.