1903 Knox Model C Stanhope Runabout
Just 500 Knox cars were produced in 1903 in Springfield, Massachusetts, all of them Model Cs. The clever Stanhope runabout bodywork design provided an optional two seats that folded out over the front axle, while the driver and another passenger sat in the back over the engine, making it arguably the first 2 + 2 vehicle.
Its powerful 1-cylinder engine ran on a unique “porcupine” cooling system of approximately 800 two-inch pins screwed into the cylinder wall to dissipate the heat. Since a cooling fan in the front of the system blew cool air over the pins, the Knox didn’t need any water.
And, so, the 1903 Knox was affectionately called by many names:
We call it fun.
The Knox Model C is fitted with a smart-looking, iron folding top and button-tufted black leather interior. A brass-plated tiller steers the car, and this would be the last year for the lovely, radially spoked wire wheels.
Also featured are a 2-speed manual planetary gearbox, chain-driver rear end, front and rear leaf-spring suspension and two-wheel rear brakes.
This iconic Model C was sold new to a wealthy family in the Boston area. They would drive it to their Sugar Hill summer home in New Hampshire a few times each year, a trip of about 175 miles.
During World War I the car was sold to a Sugar Hill Hotel. The frame, transmission and engine were purchased by Henry Sabine of Littleton, NH and converted in order to power a buzz saw located in the basement of the hotel’s livery stable.
Sometime in the 1980s the stable was torn down and became a foundation for a modern home. The Knox chassis was found relatively intact and was sold to Fred Pritchard in 1991. His friend Coburn Benson had an original tiller assembly, which was put into this vehicle, and also supplied a second Knox engine (#153) that is included with the sale of the car. Additional chassis parts came from another 1903 Knox that had been converted into a hay wagon in Maryland. It still has an original numbered Knox carburetor installed.
A new body and fenders were then constructed from patterns and measurements taken from a 1903 Knox residing in the Wells Auto Museum in Wells, Maine.
This historical timepiece has been lovingly maintained by Mr. Pritchard for over thirty years. It was repainted approximately four years ago, and a new top was added in 2022. It starts with one turn of the crank and runs flawlessly.
One of the most appealing features of this 4-passenger 1903 Knox Model C is that as a Brass Era car, it’s eligible for the famed London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, which accepts only cars that are largely correct and pre-1905. Pictures and measurements have been taken of this vehicle by members of the Veteran Car Club (VCC) Dating Committee (as shown in the photo gallery), and an application has been sent to the VCC.
The event takes starts at sunrise in Hyde Park, London on the first Sunday is November and finishes in Brighton, a distance of 54 miles. Now in its 126th year, the Car Run is not a race; the organizers don’t list the finishing order of the cars, and no one is allowed to exceed 20 mph. Yet, while it’s always cold and usually rains, more than 300 Brass Era cars participate every year. In fact, it’s considered a badge of honor to finish since the course is a true test of driver and machine.
Interestingly, one of the event sponsors is Hagerty, and in 2022 their team drove (and finished!) in a 1903 Knox.
This striking Knox is more than just beautiful car; it’s a rare and highly desirable icon of automotive history that would be a wonderful addition to any show or Horseless Carriage event.
