The car for the winegrower: a 1901 De Dion special in Champagne

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Imagine: around 1900 you own a vineyard and have a fondness for mechanics. The old, trusted horse or donkey no longer suffices. A steam tractor is far too heavy, and you have heard of the first petrol-powered automobiles. So you ask the local blacksmith to build you a motor car. The result: this Viticole Special.

Early automobiles built especially for their owner; yes, we have a weakness for home-built cars from before the First World War. The craftsmanship that is still visible today in the quality, the choice of materials and the functional execution: we love it! You may remember the J. DeFrance we featured a few years ago. The high build quality and the attention to detail: pure craftsmanship.

This car is no different. The technology is typical for its era: a 4.5 hp De Dion-Bouton engine from 1901, a simple drive via a leather belt to a large wooden pulley, followed by chain drive to the rear wheels. The Longuemare carburettor, with all its adjustment possibilities, sits on the dashboard. And the ignition advance mechanism is breathtakingly beautiful.

The car is solidly constructed, with extensive lubrication points and a sturdy chassis reminiscent of both De Dion-Bouton and Lacoste et Battmann. A robust front axle, drive for the crank and magneto via a chain – everything breathes durability. The large radiator, combined with the bonnet, resembles a wine barrel: a charming detail that perfectly suits its presumed purpose. The wheels are coarse, but therefore perfectly suited for work in the fields.

Little is known about its history. What we do know is that the car was discovered about 25 years ago in the garage of an Italian country house. The heirs recalled that it was last used in the 1950s and 1960s, among other things to move carts around the estate. It was subsequently acquired by a private collector.

Text and photos: Laurens Klein

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