Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
Location: IWM Duxford Airfield, Cambridge CB22 4QR
1900 Locomobile Type 2 5½hp Spindle-Seat Runabout
No Reserve
Registration No: AM 113
Chassis No: 1617
MOT: Exempt
Veteran Car Club Dated and complete with Dating Certificate
Subject to a ten-year boiler test in 2019 and offered with valid certificate
Eligible for the London-Brighton Veteran Car Run
Formed in 1899, the Locomobile Company was founded by entrepreneurs A L Barber and J B Walker following the purchase of the rights to manufacture a steam car from the famed Stanley Brothers. The first Locomobile, a lightweight four-wheeler with wire wheels, left the Newton, Massachusetts works that same year. Strongly resembling a horse-drawn carriage in style, the Locomobile was powered by a twin-cylinder engine that utilised a 14” boiler that operated at 150psi positioned beneath the driver’s seat. The driver controlled the steering from the right-side by tiller and a footbrake operated a contracting brake which surrounded the open-drive differential.
The Locomobile proved to be very successful, and the most popular variant was the open two-seater Style 2 which was fitted with a 5-gallon petrol tank and 21-gallon boiler. Offered at $750-$1400 depending on which body-style was chosen, it is believed in excess of 5, 000 Locomobiles were sold before the company switched to petrol car production in 1903.
This Locomobile dates from the first full year of production, but its chassis number 1617 is testament to the enormous popularity Locomobiles enjoyed from day one – advertisements issued in 1900 boasted of 1800 Locomobiles already in use.
It seems probable that 1617 was one of around 400 Locomobiles sold in Britain during 1900 and 1901 by William Malesbury Letts, who kept a showroom on Sussex Place, South Kensington. The Veteran Car Club’s dating report reveals that it was owned by the Davis family from new until 1962, before being owned by one Mr. McConnell from 1962 to 1968 and then passing to Bob Sullivan, who kept it until 1970. Throughout the 1970s, the Locomobile was extensively renovated by the late John Horst.
Despite its history of enthusiast ownership, 1617 was not dated by the Veteran Car Club until 2012. Upon inspection, the Dating Committee concluded that it was of c. 1900 manufacture and duly issued a Veteran Passport, enabling its participation in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. However, we are advised that it has not participated yet.
The 72-page Vehicle Identification and Dating Opinion Report concluded that the chassis, axle, controls and some body parts corresponded with the allocated date of c. 1900, although the engine was identified as a 1901 unit. Apart from an ‘aftermarket modification’ to the brake, the club was satisfied that in almost every respect 1617 conformed to original specifications.
The vendor added 1617 to his small collection of early cars in 2018 but has never had the opportunity to use it. It will therefore be necessary to undertake a thorough inspection of the car and effect some maintenance before taking to the road. The boiler was produced in America in 2012 and fitted in 2019. Following installation, it was subjected to the necessary inspections, but the required annual examination has not been repeated, so will be a priority for the new owner.
Presented in the factory-offered scheme of black with red panels and sold with the current V5, Dating Certificate, Veteran Passport, Identification and Dating Report and 2019 boiler inspection reports, this Style 2 represents an attractive entry into the world of steam cars. With the 100th anniversary of the Brighton Run approaching in 2027, here is a superb opportunity for an enthusiastic owner to not only put a rare early car back on the road, but to début it at what may be the most important veteran car gathering in our lifetime.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
