The World's Oldest Running Car Is On Auction

Published: Monday, September 26, 2011, 18:56 [IST]

A Classic car and a very special one at that will soon be auctioned by RM auctions. The said car is the world's oldest running car and has been built way back in 1884. Another special feature of this car is that it runs on steam, very much similar to a locomotive of the early early twentieth century.

The 1884 De Dion Bouton et Trepardoux Dos-a-Dos Steam Runabout is a small car despite its rather long name. It was commissioned by a French entrepreneur and has a very special racing history too. The world's oldest running car is also the world's first car to win a motor race. It is another fact that the car did not even have a single rival in the race.

The race took place in the year 1887 and the Dion Bouton Steam Runabout managed a top speed of over 37 miles per hour, definitely incredible speeds during that time. Despite its small size it can carry fou peaple who are needed to set facing each other's back and the seats are arranged on a 40 gallon water tank.

The car needs some time to get going. Needing coal or coke as fuel it requires more than half an hour to generate steam and start. It can run for about 20 miles with the available water. The tank needs to be refilled every 20 miles.

RM auctions is expecting the Dion Bouton Steam Runabout to sell for at least $2 million, not a high price for such a historic vehicle.