1912 Firestone-Columbus Model 68-D Indianapolis Roadster

The Firestone-Columbus Company arose from the Columbus Buggy Company, of Columbus, Ohio. They entered the automobile business in 1903 with an electric car and by 1910 the Columbus Buggy Company had a projected production of 1,000 cars. The Firestone-Columbus was very advanced for its day, having left-hand steering and a drop-center chassis by 1910. The following year, a center gear change and an acetylene starter became available, when most others were experimenting with compressed air.

In 1907 and 1908, a gasoline-powered line of high-wheelers was built, powered by a two-cylinder engine that had rope drive, and were sometimes referred to as 'Buggymobile' or 'Columbuses.' In 1909, the company entered the upper end of the market with the $1,800 Firestone-Columbus, which was named for the company's president, Clinton Dewitt Firestone. During that year, 500 examples were built. The baby tonneau had a 35-horsepower, four-cylinder engine and rested on a 110-inch wheelbase.

For 1910, the company offered two models, the Series 6, which was available as a limousine, landaulet, and a family car, and had a 35-horsepower four rested on a 117-inch wheelbase. The Series 7 was available as a coupe or runabout and rested on a 100-inch wheelbase or a light touring on a 113-inch platform.

The first Indianapolis 500 race was in 1911. Starting in the 13th position was a Firestone-Columbus known as 'the Red Wing Special' and would finish the race in 13th overall. Designer Lee Frayer was at the wheel and Eddie Rickenbacker served as his co-driver.

This particular example came into the care of its present owner 2 decades ago, from a well-known restorer and collector in New Jersey. After discovering Firestone-Columbus's racing history, it was decided that the restoration would follow in that direction.

The Red Wing Special was a short-wheelbase car, while this example was a larger, 122-inch example. It was built in track form, but it also has a full set of fenders for regular road use. There are dual front-seat layout, an ample-capacity exposed gas tank, dual rear spares, a recessed toolbox aft of the gas tank, and cowled coachwork. The artillery wheels are mounted on 33x5-inch Firestone non-skid tires. Under the bonnet is a rebuilt four-cylinder, monoblock Continental Model C engine. The ignition was supplied by Bosch and rebuilt by noted magneto rebuilder Ed Strain. There are light maroon leather trims and a deep wine-colored exterior. There are acetylene headlamps which are powered by a Prestolite tank, while the side lamps and tail lamps are kerosene-fired. An electric starter has been retrofitted to make starting safer and easier, and a monocle windshield has been column-fitted.

The car remains a tribute to the Indianapolis Firestone-Columbus.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2014