1907 Locomobile Model E Runabout

Automobile historian and writer Henry Austin Clark Jr. is believed to have acquired this Model E shortly before or after the Second World War. It is believed that a prior owner was Mike Caruso, owner of the famous salvage yard in Hicksville, Long Island. In 1987, the Model E was acquired by Richard C. Paine Jr. and displayed at his Seal Cove Auto Museum until being acquired by Mr. Ruger. When acquired, the Locomobile had a Model I Touring Body, which was not original to the chassis, and a restoration by Classic Car Services of South Paris, Maine, was commissioned. The work included a rebuild of the chassis, running gear, and engine. The carburetor was in poor condition, so a newer unit was sourced. The low tension 'make and break' ignition has been retained and is in working order. It operates via small tappets that open contacts within the combustion chambers, which creates a spark.

The Model I body was removed and replaced with a newly fabricated two-seater runabout body built based on period photos and on catalogues. The coachwork is original from the seat forward, including the original floorboard and running board edging and chain box. The rear fenders and rear of the body, the trunk, and the seat are all new. The car is finished in two-tone red paint with a light red pin-striping.

The car is fitted with Sibley & Pitman 'Climax' acetylene headlights, Corcoran side lamps, and a Dietz kerosene 'Dainty Tail Lamp.' The original, Attwood-Castle, vertical canister, and acetylene generator has been retained but replaced with an acetylene canister that sits in a brass container.

The T-head four-cylinder engine displaces 199 cubic inches and produces 20 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual transmission with double-chain drive and two-wheel rear mechanical brakes.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the St. Johns sale presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $90,000 - $130,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $74,250 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012