France entered three cars into the Great Race of 1908, but only the De Dion landed in
Vladivostock.
The best known of all the entries, neither the size nor the power of
the De Dion was exceptional.
Powered by a four-cylinder, four-speed transmission it was capable
of reaching 50 miles per hour.
To preserve the steel frame from extreme cold it was filled with
wood, wrapped in felt and covered in rubber. Provision was made
to protect the crew by warming them with exhaust heat. Ship sails
were intended to harness winds and carry the car across Siberia,
and two long planks along the De Dion’s exterior served as shelves.
In extreme conditions these planks could be detached to serve as bridges.
