Vehicle Description
John T. Rainier got his start in the automobile business around the
turn of the 20th century when he purchased the Brooklyn, New
York-based truck and bus manufacturer Vehicle Equipment Co. Vehicle
Equipment Co. built electric trucks and sightseeing buses and
following his takeover, Rainier experimented with a few cars
marketed as a V.E.C. He eventually introduced a new automobile that
bore his name in 1905. This luxurious new motorcar was assembled in
a facility in Flushing, NY using an engine and chassis supplied by
Garford of Elyria, Ohio. 1906 Rainiers were even larger, now riding
on a 104 inch wheelbase and powered by a 30/35hp four-cylinder
engine, still by Garford. Big and expensive, the Rainier cost a
not-insignificant $4,000 in 1906, rising annually to nearly $6,000
by 1910 making it one of the most expensive motorcars in America.
Success in competition - mainly hillclimb events - earned Rainier a
strong reputation. Their quality, cost and equipment levels earned
them the nickname "the Pullman of Motor Cars". Garford had entered
into a contract with Studebaker that prevented them from supplying
any more engines and chassis to Rainier, so in late 1907, Rainier
moved to Saginaw, Michigan and hired an ex-Garford engineer who
designed an even larger range of engines, all the way up to 50hp.
An ambitious plan to sell 300 cars was met with bankruptcy in 1910,
after just 180 were produced. In spite of the financial struggles,
the Rainier brand held enough weight to attract the attention of
William C. Durant who purchased the remains of Rainier and rolled
it into his new company, General Motors. The marque continued only
through 1911 when it became part of the lower cost Marquette brand.
This remarkable 1907 Rainier Model C is one the last of the New
York-built examples before the company was moved to Michigan.
Chassis number 1193 carries with it a fascinating history, with a
string of famous and influential owners that kept it in their care
over the years. It presents in complete, original condition,
appearing a bit rough in places but remaining proud and grand as
ever. This history of 1193 is known back to the original owner, one
Paul M. Howard, a wagon builder from Mansfield, Ohio. Apparently
the wagon building business was quite good, as Mr. Howard specified
his Rainier with an expensive and elegant convertible limousine
body by C.P. Kimball. Given the considerable expense of his
Rainier, it is of little surprise that he kept the car until 1945.
The car was then purchased by the famous radio personality and
operatic tenor, James Melton. Melton was clearly enthralled with
the car as he kept it for many years before it changed hands again,
this time going to Winthrop Rockefeller, the Governor of Arkansas
and third generation member of the famous Rockefeller family. After
its time with Mr. Rockefeller, the Rainier then became part of what
was once the most famous car collection in the world, the William
F. Harrah collection. It remained part of the Harrah collection for
nearly a decade before passing to another famous collection, that
of Don Metz. It remained in Metz's possession for two decades
before its sale to David Noran in 2004. This Rainier Model C is
imposing and impressive as one would expect from a high-horsepower
horseless carriage. The 280 cubic inch T-head four cylinder
presents in good order, originally rated at 30/35hp. The
magnificent body was built by C.P. Kimball of Chicago, Il. Standing
at over seven feet tall, it can be reconfigured as either a closed
limousine or open tourer. Period advertisements proclaim the
ability to remove the roof and fit "summer doors" and a folding top
(at additional cost, naturally). Options included rear jump seats,
and accessories such as electric light fixtures, gentleman's
smoking case, ladies toilet case, and carriage clock were touted.
This luxury came at a cost of course; over $2000 in its day. The
passenger compartment on our example features the optional jump
seats and we believe the rear upholstery to be original. Original
features such as the intercom tube remain intact and the body still
wears its original brass lamps. A rare and stately motorcar, this
Rainier Model C is an impressive piece on its own, though the
remarkable history in the hands of famous owners and collectors
make it all the more desirable. Its current condition makes it an
ideal centerpiece for a museum or collection of important early
motorcars.
