To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Amelia Island event, 8 - 9
March 2019.
Estimate:
$150,000 - $180,000
- One of three Model Ks known to exist
- Photo-documented restoration by noted experts
- Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) First Junior Award in
2017
- Spectacular example of a Brass Era sports car
Stoddard-Dayton was arguably one of the great American cars of its
era. Beginning in 1904, the first models were designed by
Englishman J.S. Edwards, using 26-hp, four-cylinder Rutenber
engines. In 1907, both four- and six-cylinder engines were employed
as models grew in size, stature, and price. The Model K, like this
example, was Stoddard-Dayton's most sporting model. Such a car
finished the 1907 Glidden Tour with a perfect score. This Model K
is one of three known to survive today.
For 1910, a total of 12 models were offered on three different
chassis, including a 50-hp model on a 128-in. wheelbase. One year
later, a six-cylinder Knight engine was introduced while three
conventional four-cylinder models continued through 1913. A
Stoddard-Dayton paced the inaugural Indianapolis 500 and was also
the first car to win a race at Indy (a 300-mile race that preceded
the first 500). Stoddard-Dayton became part of the U.S. Motor Co.
in 1912 and ceased to exist with the collapse of the company one
year later.
Prior to its meticulous restoration, this Model K was discovered as
a bare frame with multiple mechanical components purchased from a
South Dakota farm in 2001. It is the beneficiary of a multi-year,
photo-documented restoration completed in the mid-2000s by noted
expert Dave Noran, with additional input from Greg Cone. More
recently, it benefits from a thorough mechanical sorting and engine
rebuild by Brass Era specialist Mike Grunewald, who addressed the
ignition system, rear axle, brakes, transmission, and wiring. The
Model K runs beautifully and is exceptionally tight and virtually
free of leaks and drips common to cars of the era.
According to the consignor, the black paintwork remains in
excellent condition and is highlighted by subtle dark green coach
stripes on the body, fenders, and wooden wheels. Lustrous brass
adorns the radiator shell, wheel caps, Solar Parabolens headlights,
dual cowl lights, steering column, and Solar acetylene tank. The
leather seats have been painstakingly crafted and show little signs
of use since restoration. The wood scuttle is highly polished and
embellished with brass for the cockpit surround and operating
controls.
The Stoddard-Dayton lapped the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2016
and received its AACA First Junior at Auburn the following year.
Imposing, impressive, and beautifully presented, this is a stunning
example of a rare and highly desirable performance sports car of
the Brass Era.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am19.
