The De Boisse (possibly a.k.a. Denis de Boisse), was a French automobile manufactured from 1901 until 1904 by Jacques de Boisse in Paris.
The company was based in Paris,[1][2][3][4] (one source states in the 11th arrondissement).[5] It manufactured automobiles from 1900 to 1904.[1][2][3][4][5] Several sources agree on 'De Boisse as the brand name,[1][2][3][4][5] but one also mentions 'Denis De Boisse'.[4] One source states that De Boisse ceased production in 1904.[1] It remains unclear whether that was one person, several people or a company name. Possible activities of the company before 1900 or after 1904 are not known.[6]
The first model was a tricycle.[1][2][5] The single-cylinder engine was water-cooled.[1][2][5] It was mounted above the single front wheel and drove it via a chain. It was steered with a long tiller (lever).[2][5] The open body offered space for two people.[1][2][5] De Boisse competed in the 1901 Paris–Bordeaux motor race, but did not finish.[5][7][6]
In 1902 a conventional four-wheel model appeared. It had a 6 hp De Dion-Bouton inboard engine with a shaft drive.[1][2] According to two sources, the rear axle was designed as a De Dion axle.[2][5]
In 1903, two vehicles took part in the Paris–Madrid race, subsequently known as the "Race of Death".[1][5][6] Jacques De Boisse was classified 87th out of 99 finishers, completing in 12 hours, 0 minutes, 55 seconds. Monsieur Dupeux was classified 98th, completing in 16 hours, 18 minutes, 10 seconds.[8]
In 1904 the final model featured a two-cylinder, 12 hp, De Dion-Bouton engine.[1][2][5] A source describes a light car with a 12 hp twin-cylinder engine and a patented 'double rear axle'.[4][6]