1913 Inter-State Model 45 Touring

The Inter-State Automobile Company was named after a contest held by Thomas F. Hart of Muncie, Indiana, to find the name for his new car. Production began in 1909 and was available as a runabout, demi-tonneau or five-passenger touring. The price was set at $1750, a modest sum for the era. Sales were relatively strong, with 323 examples produced in 1909, followed by 627 the next year. The 1909 models rested on a 122-inch wheelbase and were powered by a four-cylinder engine that developed around 35 horsepower. For 1910, the wheelbase size decreased to 118 inches while the engine was now rated at 40 hp.

By 1913, a six-cylinder engine was added to the line-up. Trouble soon followed as Thomas Hart and his company went into receivership in October of 1913. The problems arose from unable to secure working capital due to a disagreement among stockholders. Involuntary bankruptcy proceedings soon followed and on February 5th of 1914, the Inter-State factory and the belongings were sold to F.C Ball. After settling the firm's debts, he reorganized as the Inter-State Motor Company. A low-priced four-cylinder car soon emerged in 1915. In May of 1918, the Inter-State Company became one of the first American companies to cease automobile production for the duration of World War I. The company was converted to producing war materials and accepted a number of government contracts. After the War, the Inter-State factory was sold to General Motors for the production of the Sheridan automobile.

This Model 45 7-Passenger Touring Car is powered by a six-cylinder engine rated at 50 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission and double internal-expanding rear brakes. It rode on a very large 132-inch wheelbase and was the company's flagship for 1913. , featuring a state-of-the-art suspension and many advanced features such as their braking system, transmission, and multi-disc wet clutch. The engine was cast en block with three-point mounts, utilizing adjustable roller-type valve lifters, an oil pump feeding the crank galleys and main bearings, a dual ignition system, a 30-volt dynamo and starter, plus a pressurized fuel system.

The Model 45 had a pair of swing-away jump seats and full weather gear including side curtains and a top boot. At night, the Model 45 was guided by full electric light.

Inter-State produced 430 vehicles in 1913, and only two examples of the Model 45 are known to exist. This example is the earliest and only fully restored Model 45. In 1985, it received the Donald Olson Memorial Award from the Horseless Carriage Club of America for the best-restored and most authentic automobile.

In 2010, this car was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $200,000-$250,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $189,750, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2010