Vehicle Description
By the time J. Frank Duryea partnered with theJ. Stevens Arms and
Tool Company in 1901 to build cars of his design, he was already a
veteran of the automobile industry. Beginning in 1893, he and older
brother Charles had built the Duryea Motorwagen in Springfield,
Massachusetts. On Thanksgiving in 1895, Frank drove a second
Motorwagen through the snow to win theChicago Times
HeraldraceinIllinois. By the end of the 19th Century, the brothers
had both become the country's first commercial manufacturers of
automobiles, and promptly parted company following a disagreement
over company financing. While Charles headed to Reading,
Pennsylvania, where he and a partner produced three and
four-wheeled cars, Frank established the Hampden Company in
Springfield and set about designing automobiles and launches. In
1901, Following the completion of one Hampden launch and three
prototype cars, the Stevens-Duryea Company was established and
began building a car identical to the Hampden. Both cars used an
opposed two-cylinder 5hp engine driving the rear wheels through a
three-speed transmission, while full-elliptical leaf springs were
used front and rear, and brakes were fitted to the rear wheels. The
initial prototype had used wire wheels, but later cars used
artillery wheels. The Stevens-Duryea was a high-quality auto, and
at a $1,300 f.o.b. it was also an expensive one. Period literature
touted "The motor is started from the seat by means of a short
crank... a boy of eight readily starts one of these machines..."
The Model L was a mainstay of the Stevens-Duryea line for several
years and remained largely unchanged from the 1901 configuration.
This charming and superbly restored example hails from 1903, by
which time the 159.5 cu.in L-headengine produced a claimed 7
horsepower. Fitted with a Stanhope body it will accommodate two
people behind the tiller, and another two occasional passengers out
front, ahead of the driver. As this car was built prior to 1904, it
should be eligible for entry into the famed London to Brighton
Veteran Car Run. This particular Model L, nicknamed "Little
Violet," is unusual in having very well-known history-of 120
years-from new. First registered in Boston by Dr. Arthur B. Coffin,
it remained in his care until 1941 when it was sold to a mechanic
in Cambridge, Massachusetts, who used it to advertise his business.
In 1948, fellow Bostonians, Mr. & Mrs. George Felton acquired the
car, treated it to a light restoration, and retained it until 1960
when they sold the Stevens-Duryea to the famed Indianapolis Motor
Speedway Museum. It remained in the care of the IMS Museum
Collection through 2012, and photos on file show the initial
restoration was well-preserved while the car was displayed. After
52 years in Indianapolis, the Stevens-Duryea was deaccessioned by
the Museum and acquired by the most recent owner, who then treated
it to a high-quality restoration by Canadian vintage car specialist
Peter Fawcett of the Fawcett Motor Carriage Company. Resplendent in
its deep claret and black livery, this Little Violet is rich with
charm and character. The restoration is finished to a standard
rarely seen on early Brass-Era automobiles today, with beautiful
paintwork and detailing throughout. Notable details include a fully
finished chassis with pin striped springs, black leather mudguards,
a beautiful leather runabout top, and Deitz Regal Motor Lamps. The
7hp engine is finely detailed and runs well, delivering a
wonderfully satisfying two-cylinder "chug." This Stevens-Duryea
Model L is a delightful example of the Horseless Carriage era, and
thanks to "Little Violet's" superb restoration, she is now ready to
show or tour with pride. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7496-1903-stevens-duryea-model-l-runabout/
