A product of the brilliant mind of Eugène Brillié, this 1905 20/24 HP is believed to be the sole surviving example of its kind worldwide. Brillié first gained prominence through his partnership with Gustave Gobron, co-developing the innovative opposed-piston engine that earned Gobron-Brillié speed records, including the distinction of being the first car to reach 160 km/h.
In 1903, Brillié established his own marque, Automobiles Eugène Brillié, producing his earliest cars with a two-cylinder 12 HP design. By 1904, he had progressed to the more refined 20 HP four-cylinder engine, as seen in this example.
Originally rented in France by British tourists during a touring holiday, the car impressed its occupants so much they imported it to England, where it remained in use until 1928. Hidden away for decades, it was rediscovered in the 1950s and fully restored between the late 1970s and early 1990s. Now 120 years old, it was recently awarded second in class at the 2025 Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance.
