Vehicle Description
Autocar was present at the birth of the American automobile. The
short-lived predecessor to the Autocar Company was the Pittsburgh
Motor Vehicle Company formed in 1897, the same year the firm
produced a gasoline-powered three-wheel cycle that is now a part of
the Smithsonian Automobile Collection. By 1899 the company had
adopted the name Autocar. The Autocar Company of Ardmore,
Pennsylvania competed successfully as a gasoline-powered automobile
by innovating in an early industry dominated by electric and steam
cars. Early automotive developments that have been credited to
Autocar include the ceramic-insulated spark plug, use of a
driveshaft to the rear axle and one of the first circulating oil
systems. The early Autocar Runabout was powered by a horizontally
opposed two-cylinder engine located under the seat and described as
an exceedingly well-built automobile. Also in 1899, Autocar
produced their first commercial truck, a vehicle that would figure
conspicuously into the company's future. After 1911, Autocar turned
from automobiles to focus production exclusively on purpose-built
trucks for which the marque is still admired today. Autocar
introduced a new model with a vertical four-cylinder engine mounted
in the front of the chassis in 1905, together with a clever
incorporation of the spark and throttle controls into the rim of a
unique six-spoke steering wheel for ease of operation. In 1907,
this model was known as the 30hp Type XIV 5-Passenger Touring. The
in-line vertical four-cylinder engine of the Type XIV had a
capacity of 255.4 c.i., with a three-speed sliding gear
transmission and, of course, a driveshaft transferring power to the
rear axle. The engine was mounted in a 109-inch wheelbase chassis
and sold for a very substantial $3,000 in 1907; the most expensive
automobile in the Autocar line, save for a Limousine. This 1907
Autocar Type XIV, chassis #6775, is an exceedingly rare and
historic automobile, confirmed to be one of six factory racers and
the only one to be listed in the Autocar registry. Eager to
demonstrate the power of the 30hp four-cylinder car, Autocar
engaged racing with enthusiasm. Six Type XIV Touring chassis were
modified at the factory to be suitable for racing, and also to be
driven as factory demonstrators. A 30hp Type XIV that won the
24-hour race at Point Breeze Park in Philadelphia in May of 1907.
The automobile offered here has been identified as the car shown in
a preserved 1910 photograph by Boston Globe photographer Orville
Rand prior to the start of a 1910 race at the famed Readville
Trotting Track near Boston. This sole surviving Autocar racer was
restored in the 1970s and still presents as an outstanding example
of the intrepid spirit of Brass Era America. The restoration was
very well done originally and has been well maintained. The
three-seat speedster body is beautifully finished in bright blue
with the wheels and chassis painted red and the seats are finished
in a matching color. The arresting colors may be the first to
command attention, but the gorgeous brass will hold it. The large
radiator, Autocar script and branded Moto-meter are flanked by a
pair of enormous Rushmore head lamps. Two brass coach lamps are
mounted on the sides of the cowl; all fueled by a Prestolite
acetylene tank mounted to the chassis. The long steering column,
hand controls and horn are also gleaming brass, as well as various
trim on the hood, cowl, doors and running boards. The walnut
dashboard is beautifully finished and maintained. More brass here
includes a wind-up clock manufactured by the Chelsea Clock Company
of Boston, Massachusetts, a Bosch dual coil control and a visual
oil gauge as well as the pedals and passenger footrest. A
drum-style brass speedometer manufactured by the Warner Instrument
Company is mounted on the outside of the cowl on the driver's side.
The engine compartment is equally impressive. The engine is
constructed with individual cylinders, twin plugs for each cylinder
and a web-like brass intake manifold. Everything is correct,
well-ordered, and working properly. A small plaque from the
Horseless Carriage Club of America affixed to the dashboard of this
unique Autocar salutes the fact that this automobile is now well
over a century old and an extraordinarily important part of
motoring history. This is an exceptional early American automobile
from a venerated manufacturer that can be driven, demonstrated, and
shown with equal enthusiasm, including the very active Horseless
Carriage Club of America, the Antique Automobile Club of America,
and other Brass Era activities. This is a rare opportunity to
acquire and preserve an authentic early American touring and racing
car. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details
please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7832-1907-autocar-type-xiv-racer/
