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-cyinder 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 a very 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 very rare opportunity to acquire and preserve an authentic early American touring and racing car.
