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1908 Glide Model G - Last One In The World! 45HP. FAST & POWERFUL. SEE VIDEO. Restored and Tour-Proven!
J.B. Bartholomew manufactured Glide automobiles in Peoria, Illinois from 1903 through 1920. Always an expensive car of limited production, the Glide was the first car to use independent motor mounts to help eliminate vibration. Their slogan, "Ride in a Glide and Then Decide" was aimed at the upper echelon of society who could afford a $2500 touring car in 1908. These were big, powerful cars at the time, designed to compete with Packards, Cadillacs, Locomobiles and other luxury cars of the era. Total production over the 17 year history of the company was less than 2500 cars, total. They were very exclusive, which ultimately made it impossible for them to compete in the marketplace. By 1920, the company was gone.
The early history of this particular car is unknown, but by 1950 it had been purchased by Mssrs. Charles Granville and Lee Swartout of Wilton, Connecticut, who owned the Angelique Perfume Company. Sometime before their purchase, the original engine had been removed from the car by the previous owner and was replaced with a 4 cylinder Ford Model A engine. Woefully underpowered, the car was used by the Angelique Company to deliver perfume to customers and for advertising purposes (see photos of the ads.) After several years, the Model A engine was removed and the car was stored.
The Angelique Perfume Company closed in the late 1960's and the Glide was later purchased by renowned automotive historian, Henry Austin Clark, for his private collection. Clark spent over a decade trying to locate a correct Glide engine and transmission without success. After Clark's passing in the 1980's, the car was purchased by a collector in Portland, Oregon, and later sold to another collector, Ed Gill. Gill located the complete running gear for a 1908/09 Glide and proceeded to restore this car, incorporating the correct mechanics. Every component of the car was restored to show quality when completed in 1988.
Following Mr. Gill's passing in 1992, the Glide was purchased by his friend, the current owner. He is a past National President of the Horseless Carriage Club and has toured the car extensively. Current mileage since restoration is approximately 2000 miles. It has been driven at speeds of 60 mph+ and tours with the best.
Mechanically, the car is excellent. The 1908/09 Rutenber engine installed by Mr. Gill in 1988 is correct for this car and runs wonderfully. With 362 cubic inches, the 4 cylinders generate 45 horsepower which moves this 3500 pound car smartly down the road, easily keeping up with modern traffic. See video. The 3-speed transmission shifts well and is properly adjusted. The complete electrical system was rebuilt in 2010. Car starts on battery and runs on magneto. It uses the original crank starter, however a modern electric starter has been purchased and can be installed in the car by the new owner, if they desire. Car has 12 volt electric running lights and stop light for safety. Headlights are the original acetelyne system. Recently the rear brakes have been rebuilt, new factory wheel bearings installed front and rear, and a new correct fabric top and new headliner were installed in 2011.
The dimensions of the car are:
120" wheelbase. Overall length: 15 feet.
8 feet-3 inches tall (to top of canvas top)
68" wide - hub-to-hub.
35" x 5" tires.
When the top is lowered it will fit in a conventional garage and car trailer. (Also note that a truck and custom trailer are available for purchase separately. Ask for details.)
Cosmetically, the car presents itself beautifully today. The body is tight, paint is nice and leather supple. It certainly turns heads everywhere it goes and is gorgeous. Please see photos and video, which were taken several weeks ago. This car would be welcome at any show, concours or tour. The brass is beautiful and make this car a standout.
If you are looking for the unique, this is it. A one-of-a-kind car that can be shown and toured with pride and confidence. It is indeed rare to find a fully sorted, 100+ year old brass-era car today that is tour proven and ready for the road or show. "Rare" is an over-used term when it comes to antique cars, but the word fits here. There is not another one like it in the world today.
WE WILL HAPPILY SELL TO BUYERS, WORLDWIDE.
Call or email for more information. 
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STOCK/INV. NUMBER:
1908-G
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