On August 19th, at Pebble Beach California, an unprecedented automobile auction will be taking place. The oldest functioning car in the world will be auctioned off by Gooding & Company. Built in 1884 in France, the four-wheel steam-powered De Dion-Bouton et Trepardoux (aka La Marquis) was driven by the co-founder of the company, Count De Dion.
The vehicle is fueled by coal, wood and bits of paper and can reach a top speed of 38 miles per hour. The car had two previous owners since it was built with quite the lengthy resume. It covered a 19 mile course with an average speed of 26 miles per hour and was the winner of the first car race in 1888.
At an estimated value of somewhere between $1.5 - 2 million USD, our tip for the next owner: keep history where it belongs, in the past! Take care not to bring this thing out on the highway for a joyride. (pic via Gooding & Company)
Posted by Chris
Via: CNN
