- Superb original condition

- Still fitted with its surface carburettor

- A make which enjoyed much success in competition

- No reserve

“This model specially built for high speeds is the only one able to cover a distance like that from Paris-Amsterdam-Paris (1443km in 39h 36m).” This was how the ‘Special racing tricycle’ was described in the Phébus catalogue from 1899, referring to J. Marcellin’s class B victory in the Paris-Amsterdam-Paris race in 1898. A competitor to De Dion-Bouton’s tricycles, Phébus produced its own frames and axles and bought in accessories and engines from De Dion-Bouton, and also from Aster to improve their performance, with the help of a single-cylinder engine equipped with an impressive surface carburettor. It is one of these machines, produced from 1898–1900, which we are offering here. Uncovered in south-western France, it comes from a carefully chosen collection of motorcycles and tricycles. This collector’s item is in remarkable original condition, its engine turns over and, with a new ignition coil, it should be easy to get it running again. The handsome Aster engine has holes at the base of the cylinder to help the gases escape and still has its specific and extremely rare carburettor. Phébus tricycles won numerous city-to-city races at the end of the 19th century, evidence of their build quality, which combined reliability and performance. This example is a rare and worthy representative of the model, which is sure to attract the attention of connoisseurs.

Photos © Camille Gabarra