Vehicle Description
The Mitchell-Lewis Motor Company of Racine, Wisconsin, was
incorporated in 1900. Like many of its contemporaries, Mitchell
initially produced horse-drawn coaches before expanding into
bicycles, wheel parts, motorcycles, and eventually, automobiles.
After experimenting with various layouts, including twin-cylinder
engines and tiller steering, Mitchell rapidly settled on the
production of large and fashionable four-cylinder touring cars with
shaft drive and water cooling across the range. Mitchell cars were
respected for their quality and performance, though the firm's
success was short-lived. The retirement of their founder and a
series of missteps meant the marque only survived for a short time
before Nash Motors absorbed it in 1923. This extraordinary 1908
Mitchell is notable not just for its rarity but also for its
magnificent, unrestored condition. While Frank Kleptz undoubtedly
loved the craft and challenge of a full restoration, he also
recognized the significance of a totally unrestored, untouched
original car, and he took great pride in the preservation of this
Mitchell Model I Touring. Frank added this car to his collection in
1982, acquiring it from Ed Hook, a pioneering car collector and one
of the founding members of the AACA. Hook had bought the car from a
fellow enthusiast named Millard Newman, who was well known for his
spectacular collection of Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts. It is believed
that Mr. Newman acquired the Mitchell in 1948 from the Field Museum
in Chicago, where it had been on display. The Model I tourer was
Mitchell's flagship for 1908, and it has numerous interesting
features. The wood body is beautifully crafted, and it is one of
the earliest examples of a large touring car with four doors. It
features high-quality brass fittings, including dual cowl lamps and
fantastic Solar headlamps. While it appears to ride on conventional
wooden-spoke artillery wheels, they are, in fact, Jackson steel
spoke wheels. The side-mounted spare is another fascinating piece,
consisting of a solid rubber Michelin tire on a steel rim that, in
the event of a flat, clamps to the offending wheel rim, negating
the need for a tricky roadside change. Other details like the
spring-loaded bumpers and integrated storage trunk highlight
Michell's thoughtful approach to design. Mitchell also took an
unconventional approach to its engine design. The Model I is
powered by an inline-four with individually cast cylinders and an
F-head valve layout with exposed valve gear. It is a powerful
machine, rated at 35 horsepower. Following a mechanical inspection,
the Mitchell was fired up and found to run and drive quite well,
though it will likely require additional recommissioning after its
extended storage period. Each one of this incredible Mitchell's
custodians took extraordinary care to preserve its authenticity.
Thanks to their efforts, it is now a magnificent piece of
automotive history, suitable for preservation class honors in
prestigious concours events worldwide. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6853-1908-mitchell-model-i-touring/
