Description
The De Dion-Bouton Trépardoux Steam Quadricycle, also known as “La Marquise,” is one of the earliest motor vehicles ever produced. Built in 1884 by the French automotive pioneers Count Albert De Dion, Georges Bouton, and engineer Charles-Armand Trépardoux, it is considered one of the world’s first steam-powered cars and the oldest running car in existence.
The quadricycle was powered by a small steam engine that ran on coal, wood, and water, with the steam driving two rear wheels. It featured a lightweight tubular frame and was designed as a four-wheeled vehicle (hence “quadricycle”), with two seats for passengers situated at the front and the driver seated behind. The vehicle’s top speed was around 37 mph (60 km/h), which was quite remarkable for its time.
The steam engine was designed by Trépardoux, who specialized in steam technology. It consisted of twin-cylinder steam motors that operated at a high pressure, and the quadricycle could travel up to 20 miles (32 km) on a single filling of water. The water tank, located between the front wheels, needed to be refilled regularly, and the fire for generating steam required careful attention during operation.
“La Marquise” was named after De Dion’s mother, and in 1887, it won what is considered the world’s first motor race, albeit without any other competitors. It covered a distance of approximately 19 miles (30 km) in under an hour. This early demonstration of the vehicle’s capability helped to highlight the potential of self-propelled transportation, particularly at a time when most vehicles were still horse-drawn.
Though the De Dion-Bouton Trépardoux Steam Quadricycle was a groundbreaking achievement in automotive history, it was ultimately overshadowed by the rise of internal combustion engines. By the 1890s, De Dion and Bouton had shifted focus to gasoline-powered vehicles, which would prove to be more practical and efficient.
Today, “La Marquise” is recognized as a significant artifact of automotive history. It has appeared in several prestigious car auctions and remains an iconic symbol of the dawn of motoring. Its enduring legacy lies in its innovative design and its status as a pioneer in the development of motorized vehicles.