1905 Columbus Highwheel Runabout Runabout

One of the largest manufacturers of horse-drawn vehicles in the United States was the Columbus Buggy Company. The company was located in Ohio's capital city (Columbus) and entered the automobile business in 1903 with an electric car. The vehicle was rather successful and popular and would remain in production until 1915.

The Springfield Automobile Company was purchased by The Columbus Company in 1905. The Springfield Automobile Company was producing a gasoline car designed by owners W.C. Bramwell and his son C.C. Bramwell. C.C. Bramwell stayed with the Columbus Buggy Company after the purchase and ushered in the Columbus gasoline car, sometimes called the Buggymobile. The high-wheel car had a twin-cylinder, ten horsepower air-cooled engine and sold for $750.

In modern times, there are only three high-wheel Columbus Runabouts known to exist. The engine can be found under the seat. There is a dummy front hood that suggests front-engine architecture yet to come. A two-speed planetary transmission sends power via a double-chain drive to the rear wheels. The body's construction was consistent with carriage-building practice and had a solid axle in both front and rear with full-elliptic leaf springs. They had a tiller-steering wheel on the left-hand side, a mechanical brake on the jackshaft, and scrub brakes on the rear tires.

This (circa 1905) Highwheeler is painted maroon with yellow striping. The chassis and wheels are yellow, the latter striped in red, and the chassis is black. The seat is upholstered in maroon leather, and the top is black with maroon lining. The wheelbase measures 75.5 inches and is powered by a two-cylinder air-cooled engine.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Hershey Auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $60,000 - $80,000 and was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car was sold for the sum of $57,750, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2019