Vehicle Description
After serving the Union Army with honors in the Civil War, Col.
Albert Augustus Pope established a business that would eventually
grow into America's first automobile manufacturing conglomerate.
Pope's business began with a scheme to manufacture patented
products for other companies, which proved to be quite lucrative.
The firm's initial foray into wheeled transportation came with the
bicycle craze of the late 1800s. Col. Pope capitalized on the
popularity of cycling first through a deal to import bicycles from
England, then by using his manufacturing prowess to produce bikes
for many different brands. The American Bicycle Company encompassed
over 40 different brand names, including their flagship Columbia
nameplate, which still exists today. Pope was quick to react when
the bike craze faded and the horseless carriage emerged. His
engineers experimented with a petrol-powered motorcar prior the
turn of the century, then settled on an electric as their first
production automobile, first sold under the trusted Columbia brand
name. In 1897, Pope Manufacturing Company established a motor
vehicle division, placing Hiram Percy Maxim at the helm. In 1899, a
New York financier by the name of William Whitney bought out the
Electric Vehicle Company and approached Col. Pope with a proposed
merger. The two reached an agreement, and the Columbia Automobile
Company was born. Pope later added the Waverley electric to his
portfolio as a series of mergers, takeovers, and name changes saw
Columbia change hands several times. The firm soldiered on,
offering a series of high-quality, upmarket electric and gasoline
vehicles for their wealthy clientele. In 1910, the company became
part of Benjamin Briscoe's United States Motor, itself an attempt
to emulate Billy Durant's mighty General Motors Corporation.
Unfortunately, in September 1912 US Motors failed, taking the
Columbia Automobile Company down with it. Stunning in every regard,
our featured 1908 Columbia Mark LXX Victoria Phaeton is one of the
finest of its kind extant and a marvelous example of an early
American electric vehicle. This car was formerly part of the
renowned Cedar Crossing Collection of James and Deborah Cousens.
The Cousens' once owned the world's premier collection of
significant early electric automobiles. James acquired this rare
Columbia in an original and complete state, and then commissioned a
full, ground-up, nut-and-bolt restoration finished to the highest
standard. An interior designer by profession, Mr. Cousens applied
his keen sense of style to this Columbia. The body features
beautifully finished medium olive green paint, accented with
furniture-grade blonde colored woodwork, black leather mudguards,
and the proud Columbia logo emblazoned across the cowl in gold
leaf. Details include a pair of nickel-plated Devoursney Bros.
carriage lamps, single tail light, and exquisite nickel and brass
body fittings. Superbly crafted leatherwork and upholstery
complement the body detailing. The Victoria-style top features
nickel plated landau irons and beautiful little side windows. The
shape is drawn directly from carriage building days, giving the
Columbia a handsome, formal profile with the roof up. Other
interior fittings include pyramid rubber floor lining, a
button-tufted leather bench, and a gorgeous polished wood toe
board, all presented in impeccable order. The meticulous attention
to detail continues on the chassis and undercarriage, with gloss
black paintwork on the suspension, frame, and rear axle in
excellent condition. The motor sits amidships beneath the seat,
driving the rear differential via a chain. Virtually every
mechanical component down to the brake drums is restored to the
same standard as the rest of the car. The beauty of these early
electric vehicles is their ease of maintenance, ease of operation,
and dependable nature. With provenance that includes one of the
world's preeminent collections of electric vehicles, this 1908
Columbia shines as one of the finest of the type we have
encountered. The world-class restoration will surely allow it entry
into premier concours events across the United States and Europe.
The emerging popularity of modern electrics has renewed interest in
pioneering electric vehicles such as this, with collectors,
enthusiasts, and concours organizers alike taking notice. This
jewel-like Columbia is presented in a condition seldom seen on
similar early motorcars, and it is ready to take its place in
virtually any prestigious collection. For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6460-1908-columbia-electric-victoria-phaeton/