Beschreibung:

Opposed Twin-Cylinder Engine 12bhp 3-Speed Manual Transmission with Chain Drive 3-Quarter-Elliptical Front and Semi-Elliptical Rear Suspension Rear-Wheel Drum Brakes *Offered from the Don C. Boulton Collection *Rare survivor of one of the earliest American automobile manufacturers *One of two known 1904 touring models; left-hand steering and chain drive *Original sheet metal, engine and drivetrain *Accompanied by a large history and reference file THE HAYNES-APPERSON: AMERICA'S PIONEER CAR The Apperson Brothers of Kokomo, Indiana, did not build America's first automobile, as their patron Elwood Haynes liked to claim. They did, however, built a very early U.S. "horseless carriage" in 1894, which is now immortalized in the Smithsonian Institution. The first production Haynes-Apperson was produced in 1897, and by 1904 the company was building rather advanced, well-engineered and solidly constructed two-cylinder models. That was the last year before Haynes and the Appersons went their separate ways; both would go on to build their own automobiles, well into the 1920s. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED This particular Haynes-Apperson is one of two surviving examples of the company's most advanced product, the 1904 Model F, a rear-entrance tonneau with a surrey-style canopy and a conventional layout in which the engine was placed ahead of the body, in the modern fashion. In many ways the Model F was ahead of its time, having left-hand-drive and an adjustable steering column. It was also a dressy machine, with ornately designed bodywork with well-stuffed leather seats and an abundance of brass, including Phare Solar Model 27A headlamps and Dietz fender lamps and tail lamp, making it look every penny of its $2,550 list price. Don C. Boulton acquired the car a decade ago from Carl Leonard of Loveland, Colorado, as a partially completed restoration, retaining its original sheet metal, engine, and drivetrain. Mr. Leonard and his brother, Wayne, had purchased the car in Dunbar, West Virginia; it had originally come from Ohio. The body was reportedly still in extremely good condition for its age. As part of the restoration, the other surviving car was visited and inspected, so that full photo documentation could be used to return this Haynes-Apperson to its original glory. Today the car is finished in burgundy with black fenders, burgundy trim, yellow striping, yellow wooden wheels with black striping, and dark red chassis and suspension. The interior is upholstered in tufted black leather and overseen by the canopy top, with its distinctive "skeleton wood" headliner. Charming accessories include wicker side baskets and a wicker parasol holder, Phinney-Walker clock, and Stewart combination speedometer/odometer. Overall the restoration is still fresh, having only been completed in the last few years, and it is believed that the vehicle has seldom been run since its completion. It is accompanied by a large reference and history file, including photographs of the car as-acquired and extensive Haynes reference material. Every collection that focuses on the dawn of the automobile should include a Haynes-Apperson, and few are as visually impactful and potent as this 18-horsepower 1904 model – one of only two surviving examples of the ultimate automobile from Kokomo. Being a model last produced in 1904 it should be eligible for the London to Brighton run. It would be sophisticated, rare and fine-looking machine to make the historic journey to Brighton on.