World’s first V8 was a real gem

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Ever seen this? It’s a rare and very early De Dion-Bouton V8 of 1912. And as a matter of fact that particular engine is the first-ever V8 engine to have found its way to a motor car. There are a few early survivors. We came across this news item here but don't know how long it has been there.

Anyway: the De Dion-Bouton V8 was initially made in three variants: a 4-litre, 6,1-litre and 7,8-litre. This top view picture supposedly dates back to 1909 and therefore must show a prototype. After production had started, the first V8s found their way into cars in 1912 and they were built until the company’s demise in the 1930s. By that time further extremes in capacity followed: a 14.7-litre variant but also a more economical 2.5-litre version! All of these engines came with twin carburettors for each bank of cylinders.

The company had also patented the fork-and-blade arrangement of connecting rods for use in these engines. This made it possible to locate each pair of cylinders on the same vertical axis, shortening the engine and making it possible for one set of cams to do the work of two. Very clever. Despite the patent, Cadillac, Lincoln and Hispano-Suiza were to follow soon with very similar arrangements but De Dion-Bouton was happy to sell licenses, not just for the fork-and-blade system. Supposedly more than 150 manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles bought licenses, making De Dion-Bouton one of the most powerful manufacturers of the early days of the motorcar…

Words by the editor. Picture Kenzo Sarrazyn.

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