Please do not touch.

Two charming young ladies having a great time with their very early Duryea.... when suddenly a hand is pulling the lever of a timemachine and flashes the carriage 108 years forward into the 21st century. Indeed, a 1894 Duryea - in fact one of the five prototypes built in view of the 1896 production model - has recently emerged from obscurity. With only minimal damage it did survive the grinding teeth of time. Evaded the demolisher's torch. And succeeded for almost a century to stay clear from the deadly caress of 'expert' restorers. In it's present condition we would say it's a selfpropelling monument of American automotive history. And it deserves - no, demands - the best possible treatment in terms of safe storage, constant humidity, lighting and care. Restoring in the conventional way would be the same thing as retouching your somewhat faded Van Gogh with aerosols. Unbolting parts of this fragile automobile is like opening Tut Ankh Amon's tomb. Without any doubt the most important American car that's on auction this year. Be sure to enjoy the lot description, some parts read like a forensic thriller... Let's see what is going to happen to this dusty diamond amidst the glitz and glamour of Christie's coming auction at Pebble Beach. (photos courtesy Christie's ) TOMORROW PHOTO / T-SHIRT COMPETITION

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