Vehicle Description
The National Automobile & Electric Co. of Indianapolis, Indiana was
founded in 1900 by two former Waverly employees, L.S. Dow, and
Philip Goetz. Waverly specialized in small electric runabouts, and
the company was a subsidiary of Col. August Pope's American Bicycle
Company. Dow and Goetz were promoters of the electric car, and they
used their experience at Waverly to build their small electric
buggies. Production steadily grew to about 500 vehicles per year by
1905. All along, the gasoline-powered automobile was gaining
popularity, and soon National began building one of their own. The
first their gasoline cars were light touring cars powered by a
small twin or four, with a more powerful Rutenber-powered
four-cylinder model appearing in 1905. New management came with
Arthur C. Newby, and National grew exponentially, significantly
expanding their gasoline-powered catalog. Newby was an avid cyclist
and bicycle racer, as well as one of the founders of the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Racing became an integral part of
their marketing strategy, with National entering a three-car team
in the inaugural Indianapolis 500 mile race of 1911. They managed a
seventh-place finish on this first attempt only to return the
following year to claim an upset victory after Ralph de Palma's
Mercedes lost its engine in the closing stages of the race. Under
his leadership, National moved upmarket, phasing out all-electric
production by 1906. National motor cars quickly grew in size and
stature, with a mighty 50/60 horsepower six joining the ranks in
1906, and even a twelve-cylinder car appearing in 1915. The Model N
was National's most potent four-cylinder car of 1908. Available as
a seven-passenger touring car or a roadster, it was priced at a
hefty $3,700 (the equivalent of about $100,000 today). Remarkably,
that price tag put it near the middle of National's highly
exclusive lineup, which stretched all the way to $6,500 for the
massive six-cylinder, 75 horsepower Model T limousine. The Model N
was still a highly exclusive motorcar, with a 50 horsepower engine,
robust chassis and finely crafted coachwork. Just a handful of
examples from this marque are known to survive today and are
coveted for their performance and exclusivity. This rare and
stunning 1908 National Model N 7-Passenger Touring is a fabulous,
wonderfully restored example from this distinguished American
marque. This incredible motorcar comes to us via an avid collector
and champion of brass-era touring who used it regularly on numerous
events around the country. It is a proven, powerful and exciting
machine that has been expertly prepared and remains ready for
immediate enjoyment. In addition to being in fine mechanical order,
the presentation is outstanding. The National has a commanding
presence thanks to its grand scale and bold, attractive color
scheme. Paint quality is excellent, finished in a
period-appropriate combination of duo-tone red with dark blue trim
and off-white coach stripes. The wooden artillery wheels are
finished with a complimentary red/white/blue pattern and are shod
with black wall tires. The livery is punctuated with highly
polished brass accessories. These body fittings are in excellent
order, including Gray & Davis carriage lamps, acetylene headlamps,
and the distinct gullwing-shaped radiator shell. Other details
include a brass acetylene tank, twin outboard storage boxes and
pyramid-pattern aluminum on the running boards and driver's floor.
Passengers enjoy a commanding view of the road ahead, as well as
spacious accommodations in the black button-tufted leather seats. A
pair of jump seats allows room for two additional passengers, and a
tan folding top gives a modicum of weather protection. As with the
body, the quality of the presentation is outstanding, with
period-correct details and materials. Typical for a brass-era car,
controls are basic, with a Jones speedometer being the sole
instrument on the dash. Woodwork on the steering wheel and dash is
exquisitely finished, and trimmed in more lovely polished brass.
Fully dialed-in for touring, the National is fitted with an
electric starter for ease of operation. It runs very well, with
tremendous power and torque coming from the high-capacity
four-cylinder engine. Power is sent through a three-speed sliding
gear transmission with shaft drive, for smooth and dependable
running on the road. The engine presentation is very good, with
lovely brass and copper components contrasting the black cylinder
blocks. Signs of use are apparent on the engine and drivetrain, and
while this car has been extensively toured, it has also been very
well maintained, feeling very much "on the button" and ready to
enjoy. Benefitting from cost-no-object care and regular use in the
hands of its most recent owner, this mighty National Model N
Touring car is a rare and potent machine from the exciting early
days of American motoring. It is beautifully prepared and is sure
to satisfy the next keeper with the unrivaled experience that comes
with piloting a grand and powerful Brass Era motorcar.
