Vehicle Description
The Overland Auto Company was born of the Standard Wheel Company of
Terre Haute, Indiana in the early 20th century. Standard Wheel had
long been a supplier to a number of carriage and wagon builders,
and in 1903 decided to have a go at engineering their own motor
car. A young engineer named Claude Cox was sent around the country
to see how others were building their cars. Upon his return, he set
to work designing a 2-seat runabout of his own. He took a slightly
different approach from the likes of Oldsmobile, Cadillac and other
light cars who had their engines mounted under the floor. Cox put
his 5-hp vertical single under the bonnet in what is now the
conventional layout. Cars began to trickle out of Standard Wheel
Company works, but with limited space, operations were moved to
Indianapolis. Buggy builder David M. Parry invested heavily in the
project, taking over from Standard Wheel Company and incorporating
the firm as Overland Auto Company in 1905. An Elmira, New York
based dealer by the name of John North Willys was suitably
impressed with the 1907 models to place a $10,000 deposit on 500
cars. When no cars arrived, he went to Indianapolis only to find
Parry completely bankrupt with no factory and a handful of leftover
parts. But Willys believed in the car enough to take over the
entire operation, and finally, Overland had found stability. By
1908, 465 cars were produced... in a temporary circus tent! Willys
purchased a former Pope-Toledo factory in Toledo, Ohio where the
company would remain for the rest of its existence. The model range
was expanded to four models on two different wheelbases. Overland
cars gained a reputation for their outstanding quality, and despite
Claude Cox leaving the firm, Overland had earned a second place
standing in sales behind Ford; a position they would hold from 1912
until 1919. The Overland featured here is a lovely 1912 Model 61T
Touring. The Model 61 was Overland's flagship model and the largest
Brass-Era Overland up to that time, powered by a 270 cubic inch 45
horsepower L-head four cylinder.� This is one of just seven
examples known to survive and it has lovingly cared for and
thoughtfully upgraded for safe and reliable touring. First restored
in the 1960s, it was acquired by the well-known Brass Era
enthusiasts Wendell "Ohlly" and Marilyn Ohlendorf, who had seen and
admired it on a Glidden Tour. It was then sold in 1979 to Don and
Nancy Sonicsen of Illinois, who continued to enjoy the Overland on
tours for the next 25 years. Purchased from Mrs. Sonicsen in 2008,
it was subsequently treated to some restoration work and mechanical
freshening, continuing to provide thousands of miles of enjoyment.
The Overland received a high quality re-paint by John Sanders of
Antique Autos of Rockford, Illinois. The handsome gray and dark red
combo suits the car wonderfully, and the quality is excellent. Red
highlights around the door openings, gold coachlines and two-tone
red and gray wheels add a delightful charm. The bodywork is in
excellent order, and the extensive brass brightwork is glossy and
attractive, having been polished and coated by Rick Britten. The
headlamps, made by Castle Lamp Company of Elmira, New York, feature
unusual blue-colored lenses and are possibly a nod to John North
Willys' home town. The body also features interesting built-in
toolboxes on the running boards as well as dual rear-mounted
spares, brass cowl lamps and the proud Overland script emblem on
the radiator. The interior is trimmed in black button-tufted
leather as is period correct. The upholstery presents in good
condition, showing some patina, and is most likely from the first
restoration in the 1960s. Regardless, it has been very nicely
preserved and offers a warm, period charm that is still in keeping
with the rest of the cosmetics. A large canvas top provides a
degree of protection from the elements, while a leather top boot
keeps things tidy during open air motoring. Brass Stewart speedo
and a brass clock adorn the polished wood dash panel. This Overland
truly shines on the road. It has been lovingly cared-for
mechanically, having received a full engine rebuild by longtime
VMCCA and HCCA member Keith Kruse of Fort Wayne, Indiana. A new
clutch from Bob Knaak of California was installed, and the rear
differential rebuilt, along with remanufacturing both axle shafts.
An overdrive has been added to the transmission, the car now
cruises nicely at 50 mph with four passengers aboard. Sensible
upgrades such as a 12V electric starter, alternator, and upgraded
ignition with Henschel twin-spark distributor have been carefully
incorporated to allow for easy and reliable touring. The tires are
relatively fresh and the twin spares have yet to be used. This
charming, rare and attractive Overland 61T is one of the finest of
its kind from this important early American marque, and thanks to
the care of its enthusiastic keepers, it remains a proven and fine
choice for HCCA, AACA and VMCCA touring or for simple enjoyment
with family and friends.
