Surrenden Press introduces a new publication:
Oct 28 2024
This study aims to present a comprehensive review of those De Dion Bouton vehicles that entered production between 1899 and the end of 1904. An early study was published in 2016, but in the intervening years, the review of many more extant vehicles from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA has facilitated a thorough assessment of Type-specific technical elements and a revision of some of the initial conclusions. A volume is dedicated to each of the voiturette, front-engined single cylinder, and front-engined twin cylinder vehicles. The evolution of Types is thoroughly considered, and a comprehensive series of contemporary and recently produced images and summary charts is included to illustrate the various changes that were made. Technical chapters cover detailed aspects of engine and transmission design, and specially prepared chassis drawings of each Type offer new insights on construction.
There is coverage of the individuals who provided the impetus for the early development of the De Dion Bouton company and its subsequent success. Chapters on the participation of De Dion Bouton vehicles in tours, trials, and racing feature period images never previously published. Perhaps one of the most signifi cant achievements, and one that had a longlasting impact on the French motor industry, was the supply of engines from the Puteaux factory to a host of other manufacturers. In each part of this work, a section on these companies that used De Dion Bouton engines, such as Lacoste & Battmann, Corre and Renault, as well as those that operated under licence, including Cudell and Motorette, are considered. Chapters are included on the development of commercial and electric vehicles.
Within the 800 carefully designed pages there are more than 1,000 photographs and drawings, a comprehensive set of footnotes and a bibliography that together provide a comprehensive narrative of the De Dion Bouton business at the turn of the last century. An epilogue charts the pathway of the company through the war years to its eventual cessation of production in the early 1930s.
De Dion Bouton: The Veteran Years will be of value to those interested in the De Dion Bouton marque and to all early motoring enthusiasts curious to learn more about the fluctuating fortunes of the world’s largest engine manufacturer at the turn of the last century.
“In recent years Michael Edwards has filled a gap in veteran car literature with a series of books on De Dion Bouton automobiles that are well written, copiously illustrated and – to use a much-abused term – scholarly. This latest trilogy continues the series in fine style, dealing in a most readable manner with the individual models of the veteran era in great, almost forensic detail. This handsome record of the company’s glory years celebrates the company in its prime and is highly recommended to all enthusiasts of the veteran era.” David Burgess-Wise, The Automobile.”
More details can be found on the website: surrendenpress.com
Enquiries should be addressed to Michael Edwards (mre01@live.co.uk;
07500003926)
Cost: £175 + Postage (UK- £15; EU - £25; Rest of the World - £45)
Payment can be made by PayPal (mre01@live.co.uk) or by bank transfer:
Surrenden Services Ltd
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