Vehicle Description
The Tourist may be a relatively unknown marque today, but for a
brief period before World War I, this was California's most popular
automobile. The Auto Vehicle Company of Los Angeles was founded in
1902 and experienced rapid growth, followed by an equally rapid
decline. Annual production steadily grew from just 17 cars the
first year, to more than 500 by 1906, and yet by 1910, it was all
over. In those days, most of America's auto production was
concentrated in the Midwest and Northeast. Without an efficient
transportation infrastructure in place, the concept of a localized
car company made good sense. Things looked promising for the
Tourist in the early years; however, by1909, the company reported
trouble acquiring parts. That year, they reorganized as the
California Automobile Company, and Tourist production continued.
Unfortunately, the problems didn't cease, and 1910 proved to be
their final year. The remaining inventory was sold off at cost, and
California Automobile Company stopped production and changed focus
to be a dealer for Firestone Columbus, Warren-Detroit, and Columbus
Electric automobiles. The Tourist was a fairly conventional car for
its time, with the earliest 1902 models featuring a single-cylinder
7-hp engine mounted under a rudimentary body. The quality and
sophistication improved rapidly, and by the 1903 model year, the
Tourist gained a second cylinder and a bump to 8 horsepower. The
next year, output jumped to 12 horsepower, and again to 20 HP for
1905. For several years, the only body style available was an open
5-passenger touring. However, a runabout, roadster, and limousine
did join the range in later years, as did a large 35/40 horsepower
4-cylinder model. For a few brief years, the Tourist offered
motorists a stylish, high-quality automobile with a uniquely
west-coast flair. This 1906 Tourist Model K Touring is one of just
a handful of known survivors from this fascinating marque. Another
long-term member of the Frankel collection, Alvin purchased this
car as a project in 1954. The extensive history file includes a few
photographs dated from that year, showing the Tourist rather
precariously perched atop a trailer, being towed home by a Willys
Jeep! Judging from the photos, we can see the Tourist was complete,
but in need of a full restoration. As a proud Californian, the
home-market Tourist fit right in with other cars in Frankel's
collection. It sat quietly in his garage for several decades, as
raising a family and tending to his other collector vehicles took
precedent over the Tourist. Finally, around 2004, Mr. Frankel began
the painstaking process of restoring the Model K from the ground
up. Much of the restoration process is well-documented through
photographs and invoices. Over the years, Mr. Frankel had amassed a
considerable amount of historical information on the marque,
including club publications, period advertisements, and even a set
of original photos used for the factory parts catalog; all of which
aided in the nut-and-bolt restoration and remain part of the car's
history file today. The project began with the wood body sent off
to a specialist in Arizona for a complete rebuild. Once the body
was reunited with the chassis and carefully checked for fit, the
mechanical aspect of the project began in 2007. By early 2012, the
project reached completion and the charming little Tourist back to
its former glory. According to marque historians, Tourists were
typically finished in bold colors with elaborate striping that
reflected the company's Southern California roots. Mr. Frankel
selected an appropriately vivid two-tone color scheme of bright
white with blue chassis, mudguards, and trim. The attractive colors
are accented with plenty of beautifully polished brass, including
acetylene headlamps, twin carriage lamps, body trim, and that
lovely "Tourist" script radiator emblem. White button-tufted
leather upholstery completes the color scheme and is expertly
restored to a high standard. The Tourist's mechanical layout
features the 196 cubic-inch horizontally-opposed twin mounted
amidships beneath the body. The big twin drives a two-speed
planetary gearbox, which sends power to the rear wheels via a
chain-driven axle. Following a careful check and light service, the
Tourist was found to run and drive very well and has seen little
more than shakedown miles since it was completed. The 20-horsepower
output is impressive for an early two-cylinder engine, with plenty
of torque on hand to keep it motoring along nicely. This is an
ideal candidate for entry into organized tours with groups like the
Horseless Carriage Club or Veteran Car Club, or for display in
local shows and concours events, and casual ice cream runs with the
family. It was undoubtedly loved by Mr. Frankel, who owned it for
66 years and delighted in its restoration. An exceptionally rare
and immensely charming veteran motorcar, the Tourist is sure to
charm its next keeper for many years to come. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6688-1906-tourist-model-k-touring/
