1908 Holsman Highwheeler Runabout

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