World's oldest running car up for auction

Zach Bowman — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 14:06:00 EST

The world's oldest running car is officially up for auction. The 1884 De Dion Bouton Et Trapardoux Dos-A-Dos Steam Runabout has been owned by the same family for the past 81 years, and perhaps even more remarkably, has only had four owners in 127 years. With a top speed of 38 mph and a range of 20 miles on a single tank of water, the steam-powered tricycle has made the trek from London to Brighton four times and participated in the world's very first auto race. To be fair, it was was the only vehicle to show up, but that didn't stop it from averaging 16 mph and clipping off a top speed of 37 mph over the 20 mile course.

If the Runabout's motorsports credentials aren't enough for you, the vehicle brought home double awards at the 1997 Pebble Beach Concours.

A total of 20 De Dion tricycles were manufactured, and of those, only six remain. This is the only operable example in existence, and if you want to make it yours, you'll need to give your checkbook a workout. RM Auctions expects the De Dion to command bids between $2 million and $2.5 million. Hit the jump for a quick video on the vehicle.

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World's oldest running car up for auction originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Sep 2011 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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America's oldest Buick dealer to close after century in business

Chris Paukert — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:06:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Buick

America's oldest Buick dealership, Geise Buick Pontiac in Quincy, Illinois, is closing.

After 100 years, descendents of founder Henry Geise Sr. have decided to sell the dealership's assets to Poage Auto Plaza. Both Pontiac and GMC franchises will be moved to another location, and be sold under a different banner, meaning that "'By the end of the year, Geise Buick will be a thing of the past.'" So says Henry Geise Jr., who is also quick to note that his family's dealership is still profitable, but the business is "... much more competitive than it used to be."

Given that Geise Jr. is 83 now, perhaps he's ready for a little down time. And with all of the ups and downs inherent in the car sales business, we imagine he and his family have earned some.

(A 1906 Buick Model G 'Turtle Deck' is shown)

[Sources: The Herald-Whig; Hershey Auction]

America's oldest Buick dealer to close after century in business originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jun 2006 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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