1913 National Series V Semi-Racing Roadster

The National Motor Vehicle Company of Indianapolis began by producing electric cars in 1900. By 1903, they introduced a gas-powered model. This switch to combustion engines was likely the influence of company president Arthur C. Newby, one of the founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. National was an entrant in the inaugural running of the Indianapolis 500, with one of the cars finishing in 7th place. The following year, driver Joe Dawson won the Indy 500 with an average speed of 78.22 mph. After this spectacular victory, National withdrew from motorsports, concentrating on customer car production.

Newby left the company in 1916. The company began a decline that culminated in receivership in 1924.

This National Series V is powered by a 450 cubic-inch T-head four-cylinder engine offering 40 horsepower at 1500 RPM. It has a three-speed sliding gear selective manual gearbox and internal expanding rear drum brakes. It is believed to have been originally bodied as a five-passenger tourer and converted to its current roadster body style in 1935.

In the 1930s, the car was acquired by Chicago-based enthusiast d. Cameron Peck who kept the car for a number of years. In 1949 he donated the car to the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, where it remained for 59 years.

The late Thomas Mittler purchased the car in late 2008. The car has been left unrestored and still shows a rich patina to its paint and upholstery. It has been recently returned to running order by Automotive Restoration, Inc.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Pebble Beach auction presented by Gooding & Company. The car was offered without reserve and estimated to sell for $250,000 - $300,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $203,500 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2012