The National Car Company of Indianapolis was renowned for building high quality automobiles that appealed to both touring and sports car drivers. This reputation was helped by the fact that Joe Dawson had driven a National to victory in the 1912 Indianapolis 500 against powerful opposition. The Series V model had a chassis that had been in production for two years, but for 1913 several body styles were offered, including a sporty Speedster, a semi-racing Indy-based roadster, a five-passenger touring car and this Toy Tonneau model. The Toy Tonneau describes a touring car with a smaller-than-normal rear compartment, suitable for just two small passengers.