1910 American Traveler Underslung American Traveler

The American Underslung, built in Indianapolis, was designed by Fred Tone and featured an advanced chassis design that ran under and dipped between the axles, lowering the car's body closer to the ground. This lower center of gravity resulted in superb handling and performance from the brutal T-head four-cylinder engine. The Underslung models were built from 1907 until 1914, with various engines and in various sizes.

This example was once owned by the late Walter Seeley, of Russell, Pennsylvania. Ownership later passed to Joel Finn who eventually passed the American on to East Coast collector, Richard King. The current caretaker acquired it from Mr. King. The car was then taken to Brian Joseph's restoration facility, Classic & Exotic Service, of Troy, Michigan, to undergo a full Pebble Beach-quality restoration. The body was removed from the chassis, and every piece of the running gear, including the engine, transmission, rear axle, springs, and shackles, was taken apart and rebuilt to its original condition. The items that were beyond repair were remanufactured using original factory blueprints and samples. The restored car was brought to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2014. It completed the Tour d'Elegance where it had no issues and went on to win Best in Class.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2015

Harry Stutz, who went on to form his own eponymous car company, designed the first car for the American Motors Company, which debuted in 1905. When Stutz left the following year, he was replaced by Fred L. Tone, who redesigned the chassis and suspension system. The underslung design, with the chassis below the suspension, gave the car a low and intriguing appearance. This rare 1910 American Underslung Traveler, one of very few still in existence, was one of 300 produced in 1910. It is equipped with a 50-hp, 7.8-liter, 4-cylinder Teetor-Hartley engine. A high-ticket item, these cars cost about $4,500 when new.