1908 Unknown (possibly Holsman) Highwheeler Runabout
Vendor supplied images
Highlights
- Fascinating ‘high wheeler’ project
- Appears to be a Holsman but not confirmed
- Part restored with American Parts Co engine included
The Appeal
Looking not unlike long-legged spiders, just like their arachnid cousins America’s ‘high wheelers’ were designed to effortlessly traverse any terrain. Their huge, puncture-proof wheels and elevated ride height made them perfectly suited to the rough roads of early 20th century America.
Holsman of Chicago was a major maker of these early progenitors of the modern-day SUV. It produced the appropriately named ‘runabout’ which was popular with rural farmers in the years immediately before the arrival of the Model T.
We are not 100% certain that this fascinating high wheeler project is a Holsman, but it certainly looks like one. We are dating it to 1908 because it is supplied with an American Parts Co of that vintage, although this may not have been originally fitted. If you think you know better, please let us know in the comments - we’re all ears.
It comes to auction partly restored and partly complete. The engine is free and has good compression and the seller suggests it should not take much to get it running. There is no drive to the engine or wheels, but this would likely be relatively straightforward to solve.
For the right buyer this is a very interesting jigsaw puzzle with an unusual and very rare vehicle to enjoy on completion.
History and Paperwork
- Early 20th century high wheeler likely of 1901 to 1910 vintage
- Layout indicates that it is a Holsman, but this is not confirmed
- Supplied with an American Parts Co engine of 1908 vintage
- Vehicle is not completed as shown in photographs
The Condition
- Wooden body in black and partly restored in generally good order
- Fitted with a quilted black leather seat in obviously aged condition
- Four large ‘high wheeler’ wooden spoked wheels with solid rubber tyres
- Front ‘lights’ for candles with pretty coloured decals
- Tiller steering to front wheels
The Mechanics
- Supplied with engine fitted but there is no confirmation of whether it is original
- It is an American Parts Co unit
- According to the seller the engine turns freely and has good compression
- We are told that ‘it would not take much work to get it running’
- There is no drive supplied with the vehicle for the engine or wheels
- This appears to have operated via a pulley belts
- Some drive elements are shown in photographs
- This is not a complete vehicle and some parts may need to be sourced
BEFORE YOU BUY
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1908
- Make NONE
- Model Uncategorised
- Colour Black
- Odometer 0
- Engine size
Listing Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Exeter
- Location Devon
- Country United Kingdom
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