The Oldest Running Car
With great regularity we are introduced through the media to the 'oldest living person' in the state, country and world. But have you ever wondered about the 'oldest working vehicle'? What type of vehicle would it be and where would it be located?
Well, I won't keep you waiting long for the information. According to a very recent news article the oldest running vehicle in the world is an 1884 De Dion Bouton Et Trapardoux Dos-A-Dos Steam Runabout. This gem has been owned by the same family for 81 years but even more remarkable than that discovery is the fact that it has had the limited number of only four owners in nearly 130 years.
The car tops out at a speed of 38 m.p.h. Surprisingly, it has a steam-powered engine that can travel for 20 miles on a single tank of water. And this should bring a smile to your face - it was a participant in the first ever auto race. In fact, it was the only vehicle to actually show up for the event at all!
Finally, there were only 20 De Dions ever manufactured - and of those there are still that are operable (you don't see specs like that with today's auto manufacturers). If you're interested in owning one of them, though, it's going to set you back a cool 2 and a half million bucks.
At those prices I think I'm going to have to stick with the family sedan. However, I'm eyeing with renewed interest. Imagine if I could keep the old Ford up and running - and pass it on for a few generations - it's hard to believe but the car could actually increase in value!
