Vehicle Description
After parting ways with his brother Charles at the Duryea Motor
Wagon Co., J. Frank Duryea set off on his own to form Hampden
Automobile & Launch Co. in Springfield, Massachusetts. Soon after
setting up shop, with the very first prototype just completed, the
J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company acquired a controlling interest in
the business and the Hampden car was renamed Stevens-Duryea. The
original Hampden prototypes were simple, 2-cylinder runabouts with
tiller steering, selling for around $1200 when refined and sold
under the Stevens-Duryea name. Rapid development saw the
Stevens-Duryea gain a 20hp four-cylinder engine with unique
three-point engine mounting system in 1905, which the company
touted as providing superior protection to the drivetrain on rough
roads. Period advertising boasted their success at hillclimb events
against cars of twice the horsepower output and claimed"In order to
get all of your engine power to the rear wheels, you must have a
STEVENS-DURYEA THREE POINT SUSPENSION". As early as 1906,
Stevens-Duryea offered both four and six cylinder models that
helped the company quickly move up market. The range-topping 1906
model S was a 50hp model powered by a colossal 9,147cc six. It
shared the catalog with the 20hp Model R four-cylinder, and from
1907 a 30/35hp "light six" Model U. The light four-cylinder
runabouts remained in the company's portfolio for some time, but
the majority of the production was of the larger six-cylinder
touring cars and limousines. By 1915, financial troubles had struck
and despite selling off the armament side of the business to raise
capital, the bankers came knocking and demanded Frank Duryea build
less expensive models if he were to receive any more capital - a
condition that he refused to accept. As a result, the plant was
sold to Westinghouse to support domestic efforts for World War I.
Following the war, in 1919 a group of former employees led by Ray
S. Deering bought the rights to the Stevens-Duryea name and revived
production. Incidentally, Mr. Deering later went on to purchase
Rauch and Lang, makers of electric cars. Unfortunately for Mr.
Deering, the refreshed and updated version of the old Model S was
not enough to keep the business afloat, especially considering
inflation caused the price to climb to an astounding $9500 in 1920.
As a point of reference, a Continental Mk II was America's most
expensive car, costing $10,000in 1956. Stevens-Duryea entered
receivership in 1922 emerging only to build cars to special order
until 1927 at which time the doors were closed on this fascinating
and prestigious early American marque. This 1906 Stevens-Duryea
Model R is a very fine and well-preserved example of Duryea's first
four-cylinder car. Believed to be one of just a handful left in
existence, it was restored to a high standard some time ago,
remaining very well presented and attractive. The aluminum body is
finished in deep burgundy, which repeats on the wheels and chassis,
and is contrasted with black mudguard-style fenders. Quality of the
finish is excellent, the older restoration showing just a little
wear. This handsome touring car stems from the height of the Brass
Era, so there is plenty of beautifully polished brightwork to
enjoy. At the front, E&J Lamps light the way, and are backed by
a brass honeycomb radiator. Brass cowl lamps are fitted as well as
a brass folding windscreen, brass dash panel and cockpit trims.
Perched up in the black button-leather driver's seat, the chauffeur
is treated to a Stewart and Clark clock, brass oil level sight and
a Stewart speedometer. Thankfully, Duryea eschewed the complex
planetary transmission for a simple and user-friendly sliding gear
unit, requiring only patience and timing to select gears. Rear
passengers enjoy doors (there was, after all, a rather different
view of luxury motoring 100 years ago) and a black canvas
convertible top should the weather turn afoul. The large bucket
seats are beautifully trimmed in black leather with correct
button-style pattern. The four cylinder engine as fitted to the
Model R was the first for Stevens-Duryea and it produced a rather
respectable 20hp for the period. Our example is pleasingly
well-detailed, in very sound order, and ready for enjoyment. Period
details such as the wood coil box and Rushmore Dynamo remain
intact. The car has been set up for touring with the addition of a
starter-generator, a distributor, and modern taillights mounted
below the rear fenders. This handsome and rare Model R tourer is a
fascinating and very well-preserved example from this storied
American company. The history of the Duryea brothers go back to the
very dawn of the automobile, and the cars they produced both
together and separately are significant and important pieces of
American motoring history. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6756-1906-stevens-duryea-model-r-touring/