1904 Northern Runabout Runabout

The Northern Company began producing vehicles in 1901, and it boasted the engineering expertise of Jonathan Maxwell and the business sense of Charles Brady King. King had built the first automobile to be run on the streets of the Motor City in 1896.

The original Northern was similar in design to a 'Curved Dash' Oldsmobile. This was understandable as both King and Maxwell had worked for R.E. Olds. The engineering component of the Northern was vastly improved, with a single-cylinder engine that Maxwell had developed. Its ease of operation and quiet running helped it earn the nickname of 'The Silent Northern.'

Chassis Number 2181
This Northern Runabout is powered by a 6.5-inch horsepower engine mated to a two-speed planetary transmission. There are semi-elliptic leaf springs and rear-wheel mechanical brakes. It rests on a wheelbase that measures 67 inches.

This car was formerly owned by Merrell Jones before being acquired by the Edwards family in 1991. The Edwards restored the car in their own personal shop. It has its original body panels and trim components, black leather cape top, upholstery, and tires.

The car was awarded an AACA Junior/Senior Award in 1992, and it won the Grand Champion Award for pre-1916 automobiles at the Old Car Festival at Greenfield Village. It has successfully competed in the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run in England.

The car was later acquired by the John O'Quinn Collection.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2013