First Documented Color Photo of an Automobile Brings History to Life

Filed in archive As We See Things on June 19, 2007

When Ted Turner's Atlanta TV people began colorising old black & white films there was an instant backlash from traditional movie enthusiasts. Not from me, though... I loved them. "How could you?" my ex-and-still-good-friend Maggie (who is a knowledgeable movie buff) asked me. "Because they bring reality to the screen," I replied "and if you'll notice, the depth of field is greatly increased so that backgrounds are much clearer." Even simple things like art objects used as props come to life when given color. Mine was a losing argument inasmuch as colorisation seems to have gone the way of the cassette recorder, yet I have the same feeling about black & white photographs of cars in their early years. Yes, they're fascinating and one can appreciate the photographer's artistry, but show one to a person who has difficulty relating to early automotive history and all you'll get for your trouble is a shrug of the shoulders.

Which explains why I'm captivated by a photo that appeared in ClassicCar.com's newsletter, one that its editors suggest could be the first documented color photograph of an automobile. It was taken c.1907 by Jean-Baptiste Tournassoud using the Autochrome Lumière method, patented in 1903. ClassicCar invited its viewers to identify the car and several folks said it was a Peugeot 116. You're welcome to add your thoughts in our Comments box. Personally, I feel about this photo as I felt about Turner's movie efforts. It brings history to life.