1904 Rambler Model L Canopy Tonneau

Thomas B. Jeffery, an Englishman who emigrated to Chicago, began the manufacture of bicycles in 1879 and by 1900 Gormully & Jeffery was the country's second-largest bicycle maker. Jeffery had gained fame for developing, among other things, the clincher rim that enabled pneumatic tires to be used. Bicycles were marketed under the trade name Rambler while rivaling the Pop Columbia for the number one position in the American market.

Jeffery was a prolific inventor and like many, fascinated by the horseless carriage. He began work on his first in 1897. Following the sudden death of his partner Philip Gormully, he sold his interest in Gormully & Jeffery (to competitor Pope) and bought a factory in Kenosha, Wisconsin, formerly owned by the Sterling Bicycle Company. There he set about building the Rambler automobile.

1904 was Rambler's first year of 2 cylinder cars, manufactured by the 'Jeffery Co. in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

This vehicle carried an original price of $1350.00. There were 2342 1 and 2-cylinder units produced in 1904. The throttle wheel is located under the steering wheel. It has the original IL. license plate #800 on dash. The original owner took a train to the factory and drove this vehicle home. It was in his car until 1950. This is car # 4050 and has mechanical valves and dual carburetors.

A Rambler won the Minneapolis MN annual hill climb on June 11, 2004.

Mr. Miller contacted the 2nd owner in 1972 asking if it was for sale. The answer was 'No'. Mr. Miller then contacted the 3rd owner in 2001 asking if it was for sale. It took an additional 5.5 years until it would end up in Mr. Miller's care.

In 1904, Milton Stocking of Lindenwood, Illinois, traveled 100 miles by train to the Thomas Jeffrey Company, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to take delivery of his new Rambler. He rather liked his choice, and it was with him until his passing in 1950. Each future owner has been carefully scrutinized and the current owner is just the fourth.

The engine is rated at 16-20 horsepower, and has two cylinders, two carburetors, and overhead mechanical valves. It has been up to 40 mph and cruises comfortably at 30. The car rides on an 84-inch wheelbase and the coachwork is a 'Rear Entrance Canopy Tonneau' style. The car stands 7 feet 2 inches and costs $1,350 new.

The throttle ring below the steering wheel controls the mixture of the two carburetors. It was reported in 1904 that this system of throttling was so convenient and easy that two one-armed men owned and operated these cars.