Equipment
RHD. Black wire wheels, 880x120 Dunlop tires, three sidemounts, bulb horn, brass nautical style hardware, Ducellier headlights. Erratic old paint, sound aged upholstery, sound wood with some water stains. Dull brass. Double chain drive, dual tires on single rim at rear. Neat piece. Chassis is aged and oily; doesnt look restored. Body hardware includes rear door latch handles shaped like oar locks and cleats for tonneau cover tiedowns.
Market commentary
This Gobron Brillie (the first marque to exceed a timed 100mph in 1904) has an opposed piston vertical inline 4 cylinder engine (i.e., four cylinders, eight pistons.) One of the most conceptually original, attractive and intriguing cars seen at auction in a long time, its condition is aged but entirely usable as is and represents a very unusual, attractive value, particularly since the consignor turned down a reported high bid of $296,000 at RMs London sale in October 2008. Well bought.