Exhibition 'Extraordinary Automobiles' extended until 6 March

The seven most iconic French automobiles from the famous Chateau de Compiegne can be admired at the Louwman Museum from 2 December to 6 March. Unique vehicles from the period 1878 to 1911 that are still in completely authentic and unrestored condition, complete with traces of use. This is the first time these automobiles can be seen outside France.
Step into the history of the French car revolution!
From the moment the automobile made its appearance around 1870, French manufacturers were the pioneers in the development of motorized vehicles. Simply because in France the automobile was embraced, while in Germany and England people were cautious and even wanted to keep cars out. These unique vehicles can be admired during the exhibition "Automobiles extraordinaires":
Meet the steam powered "La Mancelle"
Built in 1878 by Amedee Bollee, La Mancelle is the oldest automobile in the exhibition and the absolute highlight. As with the proven steam locomotives, steam was used for propulsion. Thanks to the 30 hp two cylinder steam engine, a speed of 40 kilometers per hour could be reached. The revolutionary La Mancelle was already equipped with independent suspension and rear wheel drive. Besides Amedee Bollee, De Dion Bouton & Trepardoux and Serpollet were also pioneers in the use of steam.
Meet the electric Krieger
Few people know that experiments with electric automobiles were carried out very early on. In 1905 it was Louis Antoine Krieger who equipped both front wheels of his K1 model with an electric motor. With a range of almost 100 kilometers and a top speed of 40 kilometers per hour, it was one of the best electric cars of its time.
Meet the first Renaults
The absolute top model from Renaults early days was the CC Double Coupe from 1911. The unique bodywork by coachbuilder Kellner et Fils kept the memory of the horse drawn carriage alive. The initials and the family coat of arms on the rear doors reinforce this feeling. The Renault Limousine from 1906 is one of the most luxurious models of its time. The wooden body was made by the famous Parisian coachbuilder Million Guiet, and this Renault too features a family coat of arms on the door, that of the Bourbon Parme family.
Also on display
In addition to La Mancelle, the Krieger K1 and the Renaults, there is also a Leon Bollee tricycle from 1895, a Hotchkiss Double Coupe from 1910 with no fewer than 10 windows, and a De Dion Bouton Limousine from 1905 on display.
Chateau de Compiegne
The unique automobiles in the exhibition have been made available by the Musee National de la Voiture et Tourisme, which is housed in the Chateau de Compiegne. Together with Versailles and Fontainebleau, this chateau is one of the three most important royal palaces in France.
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