World’s oldest car to be auctioned off

Said to be the world’s oldest car, a steam-powered car will be sold in a Pebble Beach, California auction in August. The car, which is in working condition, was built in France in 1884. Even Henry Ford (who would be really sad to see where Ford is headed), the man who supposedly invented the automobile, built his first car 12 years after this one.

The car, which is nicknamed “La Marquis,” was originally buit for the French Count De Dion, one of the founders of the company. According to Gooding & Company, who is handling the auction says the car has only had two others owners.

If you consider buying this puppy make sure you’re ready to set aside a half-hour to start up the engine, which is enough time to work up a sufficient amount of steam to drive. Also make sure you have a lot of coal, wood and bits of paper to fuel the car.

While we don’t know the 0-60 time on this baby, top speed is at a whopping...
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Homer008 - 6/27/2007 11:58:26 AM

+1 Boost

Looks much sleeker than a BMW 1 series.
Nicely done Audi!!! Never follow.

Neverfollow - 6/27/2007 2:46:03 PM

+1 Boost

Seems funny that a reporter from CNN would be under the misconception that Henry Ford invented the automobile. I think Carl Benz would have something to say about that.

Ford is credited with inventing the modern assembly line process but not the automobile itself.

alfistiDK - 6/28/2007 9:47:17 AM

+1 Boost

You are right, dunno why people are deboosting you for telling the truth...maybe they dont like to hear it :]

drakarula - 6/27/2007 4:13:21 PM

-1 Boost

Looks like a Bangle design????

answer - 6/27/2007 5:48:34 PM

+2 Boost

Both Ford's and the Merc/Benz's "first" cars arrived after this one.

Rupert - 6/27/2007 6:53:19 PM

+1 Boost

Ah yes, but M-B used an ICE, this uses a steam engine.

Neverfollow - 6/27/2007 8:42:49 PM

+1 Boost

Correct! In fact there were a few French designs that predate even this jewel and certainly anything powered by an internal combustion engine.