Vehicle Description
Founded in Chicago by architect Henry K. Holsman and C.H. Bryan,
Holsman Automobile Works produced the first and most renowned
"High-Wheelers" in the U.S. from 1902 to 1911. By 1906, the company
had expanded its production facilities sixfold, inspiring many
imitators, but Holsman remained the leading manufacturer of these
carriage-like vehicles. Although they appeared old-fashioned,
Holsman cars were incredibly durable, excelling on the rough,
muddy, wagon-worn roads of the Midwest, where other vehicles with
modern designs and pneumatic tires often faltered. Holsman's cars
were also popular in developing markets like Australia due to their
impressive capabilities. One of the key selling points of the
Holsman was its simplicity and ease of use. Advertisements
highlighted the rope-drive system for starting, stopping, and
moving forward or backward, all controlled by a hand lever.
Steering was managed by a tiller, and the brakes were
foot-operated, acting directly on the wheels. The vehicles were
praised for their reliability and durability, featuring air-cooled
engines that avoided overheating issues and solid rubber tires that
eliminated the risk of punctures. The unique drive system didn't
require a gearbox or clutch, ensuring a trouble-free driving
experience. By 1908, Holsman advertisements proudly declared the
company as America's oldest maker of motor-buggies, with the
slogan: "High wheels travel all roads because all roads are made to
be traveled by high wheels." Starting at $550, Holsman cars offered
excellent value, and the company guaranteed every part of the
vehicle. Although not built for racing, Holsman vehicles proved
their strength in competition, notably winning first and second
place in the Motor Buggy Class of the Algonquin Hill Climb, a
prestigious event the company touted as the "Greatest Hill Climbing
Event in America." However, Holsman's steadfast commitment to its
buggy-style design eventually led to its downfall. Increased
competition and declining sales forced a reorganization and
relocation of production to Plano, Illinois, before the company
ceased operations in 1911. This captivating 1908 Holsman Model 10
High-Wheel Runabout was discovered in 2007, in the milking parlor
of a nearby dairy barn by Ray Morey of Restorations Unlimited II in
Cary, Illinois. This 1908 Holsman is an upscale Model 10 Runabout,
and as such originally equipped with fenders and a folding top. Mr.
Morey meticulously disassembled, refinished, and restored the
vehicle, bringing it back to its former glory. The air-cooled,
two-cylinder engine (100.5-cid) was restored to full working order,
and the rope-drive chain was recreated for concours events, though
V-belts were added for easier operation when driving. The car's
paintwork, pinstriping, and brass details make it a standout at
every appearance. After its restoration, this 1908 Holsman was
shown at the Special AACA meeting in Auburn, Indiana, where it
earned an AACA Junior First Prize award. It was later sold to a
well-known horseless carriage collector and then to its most recent
owner in 2017. This 1908 Holsman Model 10 Runabout, is an excellent
example of the "Horseless Carriage" concept, represents a pivotal
moment in automotive history as one of the first vehicles capable
of conquering the harsh, undeveloped roads of early Midwestern
America. Likely the finest example of its kind, it presents an
extraordinary opportunity for its next owner. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7783-1908-holsman-model-10-runabout/
