Vehicle Description
Over a century before modern automakers turned their attention to
hybrid and electric power, the Columbus Buggy Company took the
opposite approach-pivoting from their successful line of elegant,
silent electric carriages to the rugged and unrefined internal
combustion automobile. Unlike today's industry-wide shift toward
electrification, Columbus' foray into gasoline-powered motorcars
was short-lived but left a lasting impression.
At the turn of the 20th century, much of rural America relied on
horse-drawn buggies, and the transition to automobiles required
vehicles that could manage deeply rutted, unpaved roads.
High-wheelers-named for their tall, spindly carriage-style
wheels-were the answer. Built for durability and ease of
maintenance, these vehicles were well suited to America's early
roadways. The Columbus Autobuggy was one such offering, developed
in the company's namesake city of Columbus, Ohio. It was powered by
an air-cooled, 10-horsepower twin-cylinder engine, driving the rear
wheels via a simple yet effective double-chain drive. One of the
men involved in its development was none other than Eddie
Rickenbacker-an ambitious young engineer and salesman who would
later become America's most celebrated fighter ace of World War I
and a pioneer of commercial aviation.
The Autobuggy was produced for only two seasons before Columbus
shifted focus toward more refined automobiles under the
Firestone-Columbus marque. However, in its brief production run,
the Autobuggy embodied the adventurous spirit of early American
motoring. With its high stance, simple but effective drivetrain,
and utilitarian charm, it was an ideal machine for navigating the
rural countryside.
The example offered here is a well-preserved piece of early
automotive history. Formerly part of the esteemed Jack Frost
collection, it was restored in the late 1960s by Walter Heater of
Dearborn, Michigan-a pioneer in the early days of automotive
restoration. Following its time in the Frost Museum, the Autobuggy
was acquired by the famed Imperial Palace Auto Collection in Las
Vegas before passing into another prominent museum collection in
1994, where it remained on display for 25 years and was recently
part of another prominent collection.
Despite the age of its restoration, this Columbus Autobuggy retains
a wonderfully charming character, with its minor patina adding to
its authenticity. The tall wooden-spoke wheels, chain-drive system,
and period-correct brass fittings evoke the ingenuity and
craftsmanship of early American motoring. Notably, the chassis
number remains stamped into the wood structure of the tail-a
testament to its originality.
A true relic of the dawn of the automobile, this 1908 Columbus
Autobuggy is a fascinating artifact that embodies the pioneering
spirit of American industry. As a rare opportunity to acquire a
piece of early motoring history from a uniquely storied marque, it
appeals to high-wheeler enthusiasts, admirers of early automotive
engineering, and collectors seeking a tangible link to Eddie
Rickenbacker's legacy. It's ironic how history repeats itself,
isn't it?
Offers welcome and trades considered
