Vehicle Description
Astute motoring enthusiasts might recognize the Autocar name as one
that has been proudly emblazoned on the side of some of the
largest, most robust, severe-duty trucks ever built. However, well
before the big twelve-cylinder diesel monsters of the 1950s and
1960s, Autocar built small and medium-sized passenger cars out of
its Ardmore, Pennsylvania factory beginning in 1900. Prior to being
incorporated as Autocar, the company was known as Pittsburgh Motor
Vehicle Company, founded in 1897, which produced a handful of three
and four-wheel motor buggies. Once Autocar established itself in
its new Ardmore factory, it began production of a series of small
runabouts and mid-sized touring cars, mostly powered by a twin
cylinder engine, though a four-cylinder would join the range by
1905. Early Autocars would feature a revolutionary shaft drive
arrangement - credited as the first American car so equipped.
Autocars were exceptionally well made for their time, and period
advertising rather bluntly claimed: "It cannot blow up or burn up."
We suppose expectations were somewhat low in the early days of the
automobile! Autocar would eventually diversify into commercial
vehicles and are also credited with creating one of America's first
purpose-built commercial trucks, which featured a forward mounted
driver's compartment to maximize load space - a primitive precursor
to the cabover. The Type X was offered between 1904 and 1906, with
the most significant change coming in 1905 with the fitment of a
steering wheel in place of the tiller for ease of control; another
feature of the Autocar that would be touted in-period. The Type X
was an attractive little runabout, with a twin cylinder engine
mounted behind the front axle line, making about 12 horsepower. By
1906, the wheelbase had been increased by six inches for improved
stability and comfort. The Type X and its stablemates sold well
enough to private buyers, but Autocar's resounding success with its
commercial vehicles spelled the end for its passenger car business.
As demand for the more profitable trucks grew, the cars would
receive less and less attention, eventually fizzling out by 1911.
This delightful Autocar Type X runabout is one of approximately six
known surviving examples of the 713 Autocars constructed in 1906.
It is an honest and attractive car, restored in a cheerful apple
green and straw-yellow livery. The body is constructed mainly of
wood, including the graceful steam-bent fenders. The hood is steel,
and the paintwork is in good condition overall with consistent
finish quality all around. Era-appropriate brass fittings include a
pair of "Neverout" cowl lamps, with a single "Stay-Lit" tail light
and various bits of hardware that collectively show a slight patina
to the finish and appear well-maintained. It rides on wood-spoke
wheels finished in contrasting straw yellow, which is repeated on
the body's coach stripes. Driver and passenger sit atop a leather
button-tufted bench, with weather protection provided by a black
vinyl buggy top. The unique steering wheel features clever
twist-controls for spark and throttle; an unusual alternative to
the traditional hub-mounted levers, and an interesting glimpse of
the type of creative thinking that fueled the automotive industry
at the time. For the Model X, Autocar used its proven
horizontally-opposed two-cylinder engine. The little twin in our
featured example is very well detailed with gray painted castings
and plenty of nicely polished brass and copper fittings, clamps,
and hardware. This Autocar encompasses the simple, pure enjoyment
of early motoring and would be an excellent selection for Horseless
Carriage Club of America events or local shows and driving tours.
It appears to have been used only lightly since its restoration was
completed, and will surely provide plenty of enjoyment to its next
keeper. While Autocar as a company may be best remembered for its
brutish heavy trucks, this Type X Runabout is a charming example of
the firm's innovative work in the early days of motoring.
