1913 Peerless Model 48-Six Roadster

This Peerless Model 48-Six Roadster was discovered in the early 1960s by helicopter pilot Ed Seville, a California-based Horseless Carriage Club of America member. Prior to its discovery, it had been used as a power source for a gold mine. The rescue of the car was nearly impossible and required an airlift.

The car was purchased new by an official of the La Jolla Mining Company. After several years, it was deemed surplus and driven to the mine head for use as a power source. After its usefulness came to a close, it was just left in the elements for many decades. The original trails used to travel to the mine became overgrown and washed out over the years, and retrieving the vehicle became nearly impossible.

On an HCCA La Jolla regional tour in Southern California during the summer of 1965, Ed Seville, the helicopter pilot, mentioned to Merl Ledford, Jr., a Peerless collector, that he spotted a big Peerless chassis from the air. An expedition was soon planned to survey the vehicle. After hiking 16 miles and wading through streams, the team was unable to reach the vehicle. Over the following three months, no fewer than nine trips were attempted by 14 people, with the eventual sighting of the car made from a ridge 1,200 feet above its resting place. With no trails and no way to access the vehicle, the only practical solution was by helicopter. Ledford secured the title to the car and received permission to airlift it.

Over the next two decades, the car was given a comprehensive restoration, including the fabrication of a new body. Ledford managed to complete 90 percent of the work but passed away before he could finish it. Gerald Luckow became the car's next caretaker. He finished the restoration in time to show it at Pebble Beach in 1984. Next, the Peerless was placed on extended display in a small mining museum, and then in 2008, the current owner acquired it.

In 2010, this Roadster was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $250,000 - $300,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $200,750 including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2010