Vehicle Description
The Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company was founded in 1894 by John W.
Duntley, producing a line of new labor-saving tools for
construction and heavy industry. In 1901, Duntley had partnered
with steel magnate Charles M. Schwab who invested heavily in
Chicago Pneumatic, leading to the patent of the world's first
pneumatic hammer. By 1904, the company had expanded dramatically to
include offices in Canada, England, and Europe. The product line
had also grown substantially to include stationary engines, mining,
and oil-drilling equipment. Between 1911 and 1917, the company
supplemented its mining tools with a line of mid-sized utility
trucks called "Little Giant." Features of the Little Giant included
a specially-built 1-ton chassis with a horizontally-opposed
two-cylinder engine and a two-speed planetary gearbox. It was built
to be rugged and versatile, and easily adapted for use in a wide
array of industries. CP contracted with outside coachbuilders to
build a series of "factory" standard bodies such as a bus,
stake-bed truck, or panel truck. Buyers with more specific needs
could purchase a bare chassis to be upfit to meet the requirements
of their particular industry, and Little Giants are known to have
been used in fire service, commercial hauling, and mining. As the
automobile and truck manufacturing business became increasingly
specialized, Chicago Pneumatic ended production of the Little Giant
to focus on their industrial tool business. Precisely how many were
made by the time production ended in 1917 isn't known, but as with
any heavy duty commercial vehicle, attrition was high, and it is
believed that fewer than ten examples exist worldwide today. This
delightful 1912 Little Giant Model D was discovered in 2009 by a
collector and restorer from southern Pennsylvania. The restoration
had been started, though the project had stalled, but he saw it as
a unique opportunity to complete the project to his own high
standards. He brought the Little Giant home, where he commenced a
complete, nut and bolt, concours-quality restoration. With so few
survivors and little information available, it was a formidable
project from the start. A restored example (with a utility truck
body) was found in the USA, which he carefully measured and
photographed to compare with this project. Using period brochures
and advertisements as reference, the Little Giant was carefully
restored, with much of the work done by the owner, with spectacular
results. Still appearing very fresh from restoration, the Little
Giant is a truly exquisite piece, painted a beautiful bright blue
against a pale yellow chassis and accented with period appropriate
gold lettering and striping. The body is magnificently crafted and
detailed. Typical for the era, detailing is ornate, with gorgeous
brass lamps and accessories, and a stunning stained-glass rear
door, a passenger counter for the driver and a coin receptacle in
the passenger compartment. While the specific history of this
chassis was not known, the owner created the charming livery to
reflect what a period "Jitney Bus" route might have been, linking
post-offices near his hometown in Pennsylvania. Passengers ride on
side-facing benches and enjoy an open-air experience. In case of
inclement weather, a full set of side curtains can be fitted to
keep the rear compartment dry. The driver sits exposed up front on
a bench covered in finely crafted brown button-tufted leather. The
driver's compartment features lots of beautifully finished
woodwork, and more highly polished brass for the steering column
and controls. The horizontally opposed two-cylinder Chicago
Pneumatic engine runs well, sending power through a two-speed
transmission and a chain-driven rear axle. It has been updated with
electric start and it starts remarkably easily. Wooden spoke wheels
are wrapped with solid rubber tires, which is very typical for
commercial vehicles of this era. The previous owner drove it on
numerous occasions for shows and demonstrations, reporting it
remarkably well-behaved considering the one-ton capacity chassis
and solid tires. This Little Giant is a stunning and unique period
piece that is sure to delight onlookers wherever it goes. The
quality of the restoration is exquisite, and it lives up to its
name with tremendous presence. Shortly after the project was
completed in 2014, the bus earned its First Junior in the Bus
Division at the AACA Spring Meet in Charlotte, NC. More recently,
the Little Giant earned its AACA Senior at the Eastern Meet in
Buffalo, NY, and in 2018, it took the coveted People's Choice Award
at the prestigious Elegance at Hershey. A true one-of-a-kind
vehicle, this Little Giant Model D is a fascinating part of the
124-year-old Chicago Pneumatic brand, and is ready for concours
events worldwide.
