La Marquise, World's oldest running motor car makes a record at auction

The world’s oldest running motor car, a historic 1884 De Dion Bouton et Trepardoux Dos-a-Dos Steam Runabout, entered the history books on Friday, Oct. 7, selling for an impressive $4.62 million.

Commissioned by French entrepreneur, Count de Dion and named “La Marquise” after his mother, the 127-year-old vehicle drew a standing ovation from the audience.

The new owner joins an elite list of just five collectors to have claimed ownership of La Marquise over its well-documented history. In addition to being the world’s oldest running motor car, La Marquise’s impressive provenance includes participation in the first automobile race in 1887, where it reached a top speed of 37 mph on the straights, along with a double award at the famed 1997 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. In addition, La Marquise has also successfully completed four London to Brighton runs in the UK.