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Based in Chicago, Illinois, Henry Holsman produced Holsman high-wheelers from 1903 through 1910. They may have been the first automaker to build a high-wheeler. The design made it easier to drive over the challenging rural roads of the day. Production during their first year was an impressive 327 units. This increased to 687 the following year, followed by 1,113 vehicles for 1905. This increase in production created a need to expand their plant capacity and to continue working 24 hours a day.
By 1910, his company had entered into receivership. Henry Holsman then moved west to Plano and began producing a vehicle similar to the Holsman, which he called the Independent Harvester.
This Model 10-K Highwheeler is the only known example still in existence. By the late 1940s, the car was still in regular use when it was found on the street in Glendale, California. The car was purchased for $200 and would remain in single-family ownership for the next six decades. The grandson of that buyer would keep the car in good running order and believes that the paint and fenders are original.
The car is powered by a 2-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine that produces 12 horsepower. It has a single-barrel carburetor, dual flywheels, and is chain driven. There are friction-block brakes and a solid front axle with full-elliptical springs. This is a very sophisticated machine, despite its age. Instead of plain babbitt bearings, ball and roller bearings are used throughout the engine. The link chain drive, a new feature on the 10-K, was used to engage low gear and then, as the speed increased, the chain moved up onto tapered belt sheaves. The chain lifts off its drive sprocket as the sheaves are closed, and becomes a belt. The diameters of the engine pulleys grow, while the sheaves close for higher gearing, and the drive becomes an infinite ratio transmission.
This vehicle has period-correct brass bail-handle side lamps, a center-mount brass acetylene headlamp, and a bulb horn. Steering is by tiller and there is original diamond-tufted leather seating.
In 2010, this car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Pebble Beach where it was estimated to sell for $80,000 - $120,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $45,100 including the buyer's premium.By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2010
By 1910, his company had entered into receivership. Henry Holsman then moved west to Plano and began producing a vehicle similar to the Holsman, which he called the Independent Harvester.
This Model 10-K Highwheeler is the only known example still in existence. By the late 1940s, the car was still in regular use when it was found on the street in Glendale, California. The car was purchased for $200 and would remain in single-family ownership for the next six decades. The grandson of that buyer would keep the car in good running order and believes that the paint and fenders are original.
The car is powered by a 2-cylinder horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine that produces 12 horsepower. It has a single-barrel carburetor, dual flywheels, and is chain driven. There are friction-block brakes and a solid front axle with full-elliptical springs. This is a very sophisticated machine, despite its age. Instead of plain babbitt bearings, ball and roller bearings are used throughout the engine. The link chain drive, a new feature on the 10-K, was used to engage low gear and then, as the speed increased, the chain moved up onto tapered belt sheaves. The chain lifts off its drive sprocket as the sheaves are closed, and becomes a belt. The diameters of the engine pulleys grow, while the sheaves close for higher gearing, and the drive becomes an infinite ratio transmission.
This vehicle has period-correct brass bail-handle side lamps, a center-mount brass acetylene headlamp, and a bulb horn. Steering is by tiller and there is original diamond-tufted leather seating.
In 2010, this car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Pebble Beach where it was estimated to sell for $80,000 - $120,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $45,100 including the buyer's premium.By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2010
2010 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auctions
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $80,000-USD $120,000
Sale Price :
USD $45,100
1908 Holsman Highwheeler Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Holsman Highwheeler
(Data based on Model Year 1908 sales)
1908 Holsman Model 10 Runabout Chassis#: 2560V Sold for USD$66,000 2017 The Auburn Auction : Worldwide Auctioneers | |
1908 Holsman Model H-11 Touring Chassis#: 2651V Sold for USD$27,500 2015 RM Sotheby's Hershey Auction | |
1908 Holsman High-Wheel Runabout Chassis#: 2478V Sold for USD$38,500 2015 RM Sotheby's Hershey Auction | |
1908 Holsman Model 10-K High-Wheeler Chassis#: 3031 Sold for USD$45,100 2010 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auctions | |
1908 Holsman Model 10-K High Wheeler Sold for USD$41,800 2010 Worldwide Auctioneers - The Houston Classic Weekend |
Holsman Highwheelers That Failed To Sell At Auction
1908 Holsman Highwheeler's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
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1908 Holsman Highwheeler
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