Rhinebeck Grand National Super Meet: 1897 De Dion-Bouton Tricycle
Amongst the many beautiful antique motorcycles at the 2010 Rhinebeck Grand National Super Meet was one very special standout for me; the 1897 De Dion-Bouton tricycle.
Having never heard of this machine before as soon as I got home I started digging around in some of my motorcycle books and browsing the web for information on this charming 100+ year old relic.
It so happens that the marque has a local Long Island connection. One of the brand’s most notable owners was motor racing enthusiast William Kissam Vanderbilt II. In 1899, Vanderbilt ordered one of the 1 3/4HP tricycles from France and had it shipped to the US.
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Pretty nice picture. I like the integrated generator/headlight. In fact, I’m afraid I remember having something like that on my bicycle in the distant past….
Now I feel old.