Vehicle Description
Autocar, the oldest commercial vehicle manufacturer in the United
States, was founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the mid-1890s
by pioneering engineer Louis S. Clarke. Originally established as
the Pittsburgh Motor Vehicle Company, Clarke's first vehicle, a
single-cylinder tricycle, debuted in 1897. A true innovator, Clarke
introduced several key advancements in early automotive
engineering, including the porcelain-insulated spark plug,
shaft-driven engines, and a circulating engine oil lubrication
system. He also played a pivotal role in establishing left-hand
drive as the American standard. In 1899, Clarke relocated the
company to Ardmore, Pennsylvania, renaming it "The Autocar Company"
and producing the first motorized commercial truck. After
experimenting with passenger car production for several years,
Autocar fully committed to commercial vehicles by 1911, a move that
solidified its reputation for durable, purpose-built workhorses.
Introduced in 1909, the Type XVIII became Autocar's flagship model.
Built on a cab-over chassis, it featured a 1-ton load capacity and
a horizontally opposed 18-horsepower, two-cylinder water-cooled
engine, positioned beneath the front-hinged driver and passenger
seats. The engine was an engineering marvel of its time, boasting a
4 3/4-inch bore and 4 1/2-inch stroke, three 5/16th piston rings,
drop-forged high-carbon steel connecting rods with bronze bearings,
and a robust high-carbon steel crankshaft running on roller
bearings with two flywheels. The crankcase was split horizontally,
with the lower half housing the cylinders, crankshaft, and
camshaft, while the upper section contained the magneto, oiler, and
water pump drive gear. Two wheelbase options were available: a
97-inch long wheelbase and an 85-inch short wheelbase, each capable
of accommodating a variety of body styles. Regardless of
configuration, the Type XVIII employed a three-speed transmission
with reverse, utilizing Timken roller bearings on the main and
counter shafts. Power was delivered to the rear wheels via a dual
universal joint driveshaft and double-reduction gear rear
differential, ensuring smooth and reliable operation. This 1910
Autocar Type XVIII, is a short-wheelbase example originally
configured as a Town Car taxi. An older restoration, the car
presents in wonderful condition, with quality craftsmanship evident
throughout. The royal blue bodywork is complemented by black
fenders, chassis, and side steps. The enclosed passenger
compartment features a folding black landaulet top with a
beveled-edge rear window, a spare tire, and a center-mounted stop
light. Inside, the tan fabric interior is well-preserved, featuring
button-tufted upholstery on both front- and rear-facing bench
seats. The doors are finished with off-white cording and filigree
ribbon trim, paired with matching tan carpeting. A beveled glass
divider window separates the driver's area from the passenger
compartment, complete with coordinating curtains for privacy. The
driver and front passenger seats are upholstered in black vinyl,
set over a textured anti-slip floor covering. This Type XVIII
retains a wealth of authentic period-correct features. A brass
Starting and Operating placard is affixed to the front panel,
alongside a Luna brand motor clock. The right-hand drive steering
column includes controls for spark advance and fuel mixture
adjustment, essential for fine-tuning the Stromberg carburetors.
The Kokomo Electric Company's "Kingston" Magneto control panel and
ignition key are positioned to the driver's right, below the brass
horn and gearshift lever. Mechanically, this Autocar remains in
excellent working order, benefitting from careful stewardship and
regular maintenance. Lighting is provided by a center-mounted brass
headlamp, supplemented by two carriage lamps fueled by a
"Prest-O-Lite" acetylene gas system, with a period-correct tank and
regulator affixed to the left running board. Above the regulator,
the Pittsburgh Taximeter Company's "Pittsburgh Taximeter" (Meter
No. 2798) remains intact, complete with a tax tag numbered "8586",
mounted behind the "Hired" indicator. Few examples of early
commercial vehicles survive today, and even fewer retain their
original taxi configurations. This 1910 Autocar Type XVIII
represents a significant chapter in early American automotive
history, highlighting the ingenuity and craftsmanship of one of the
nation's pioneering manufacturers. Well-engineered and built to
withstand the rigors of daily use, the Type XVIII remains a
testament to Autocar's reputation for reliability and durability. A
rare and highly collectible Brass Era commercial vehicle, this
remarkable taxi would make a standout addition to any collection of
early automobiles. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7733-1910-autocar-type-xviii-taxi/
