De Dion-Bouton Type S History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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As demand for more power grew, De Dion-Bouton introduced the Type S for 1903 — a two-cylinder, 1,728 cc car rated at 12 CV. It was the company's first true multi-cylinder offering and demonstrated that De Dion-Bouton intended to compete in the emerging medium-car segment, not merely supply engines to others.
The Type S was quickly followed in 1904 by the four-cylinder Type AD (2,545 cc, 15 CV) and the more powerful 24 CV Type AI, establishing a tiered range from light voiturettes to proper touring cars. This period, 1903–1904, represents De Dion-Bouton at its engineering peak — simultaneously the world's largest volume producer and a genuine innovator in multi-cylinder design.
Body styles
- Touring car
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