It's one thing to spend millions on luxury items, but it's another to spend it on a piece of history.
The world's oldest car, an 1884 De Dion Bouton et Trepardoux Dos-a-Dos Steam Runabout, sold for $4.62 million on Friday at RM Auctions' sale in Hershey, Pa.
This steam-powered auto holds the title of "the little engine that could." Only 20 three-wheeled De Bouton cars were made in 1884, and now only six are still known to exist. The one that sold at the auction is the only one known in the world to still operate under its own power.
According to a press release by RM Auctions, French entrepreneur Count de Dion named the vehicle "La Marquise" after his mother. The 127-year-old car received a standing ovation from the audience at the auction. The starting bid was set at $500,000 and quickly climbed past the million-dollar mark, finally settling at $4.2 million. The final sales price of $4.62 million was paid after a 10-percent buyers' premium was added.
"La Marquise" participated in the first automobile race in 1887, where it reached a top speed of 37 mph in a straight away, along with a double award at the famed 1997 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. In addition, La Marquise has also successfully completed four London to Brighton runs in the UK, according to the release.
The new owner entered a short list of owners of this piece of history. Only five collectors have claimed to own this vehicle.
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