1913 Philos A-4-M Torpedo

Offered by Aguttes | Brussels, Belgium | October 2024

Photo – Aguttes

Philos was based in Lyon, France, and existed from 1912 through 1923. This early car was restored around 2000 and looks like the type of Edwardian car you would see in a children’s movie that took place prior to WWI. It’s so colorful and covered in brass.

This early two-seat Philos is powered by a 1.1-liter inline-four that was rated at eight (presumably taxable) horsepower. The engine was sourced from Ballot. The survival rate for Philos cars isn’t that high, as this is the second one I can recall coming up for sale in the last decade.

It has an estimate of $16,000-$28,000. More info can be found here.

1913 Philos Ballot Double Phaeton

Offered by Coys | Graz, Austria | October 12-13, 2013

SA Nouvelle des Automobiles Philos was founded in Lyon, France, in 1912. In 1923 they were acquired by Jean Gras – another French automobile manufacturer. While Jean Gras soldiered on until 1930, 1923 was the end of the line for Philos. Early Philos cars used engines from Ballot.

This car, being from the second year of manufacture, uses an aforementioned Ballot engine: it’s a 1.1-liter straight-four. Later cars used engines of varying size from a variety of manufacturers. The design feature that set the Philos apart was its curved V-shaped radiator.

This car is offered in preserved, all-original condition. It is a very fine example of early French motoring. You can read more here and check out more from Coys here.

Update: Sold for about $16,100.