1897 Vallée Vis-à -Vis
In the 19th century, personal
transportation had an entirely new face, and while the majority was moving from
A to B riding a horse, this Vallée Vis-à -Vis has four sitting at its disposal.
It's a four-seat basic car, made from 1896 by Henri Vallée, a
man who worked on the massive steam coach that Amadée Bollée produced for
Marquis du Broc in 188, and who set up his own company at Le Mans in 1890 to
make bicycles.
His first tube-chassis car, powered by a
two-cylinder horizontal engine made by himself came five years later and was
exhibited at the Cycle Salon in Paris. Mr. Vallée enjoyed producing automobiles
and brought two new models to the following year's Paris event, a four-seat
Victoria and the Vis-Ã -Vis.
By 1897, Henri Vallée was producing
vehicles with 3, 4, 5 and 7 HP. By 1902, however, his success had faded away
and he was forced to produce motorcycles for a few years before stepping down
completely.
Produced in 1897, the Vallée Vis-à -Vis
is one of just two Vallées known to have survived, and it remains in original
condition, except for a paintjob and a new black canvas. Throughout its long
history, the classic car was part of the Henri Malartre collection in Lyon,
France, until 1970, but other details remain scarce at the moment.
Participating at RMSothebys London
auction, on September 7, will give you the chance to find out more about this
basic vehicle, but if you're considering placing a bid, then you should know
that it's estimated to change hands for £ 70,000-£ 90,000 (US$ 91,915-US$ 117,175).
