1904 Rambler Model L Canopy Tonneau

The Rambler automotive company would go from producing just a single automobile in 1897 to producing more than 1,500 examples just a handful of years later. Rambler would go from being a bicycle business to one of the top three automobile makers in 1902. It seemed Rambler would be one of America's great automotive companies.

Long before Rambler would become Nash in 1919, the company would be churning out large numbers of twin-cylinder-powered motorcars. One of those would be the Model L. Powered by a 16 horsepower, twin-cylinder engine the Model L would further Rambler's reputation throughout the country.

One of those Model L Ramblers would be chassis 4302. Produced in 1904, the car would be an example of a Canopy Tonneau. Its fixed surrey-style top and the tonneau-style rear seat would give the car an elegant, yet, sporty look, even for the early 20th century.

The tonneau style meant entry into the automobile was made through a small door in the middle of the back seat. This entry for the rear passenger could be tricky in the early 1900s but the supple leather seating that greeted the passengers would be welcome enough.

This particular example would be a part of Richard Teague's personal collection for a period of time and would spend some two decades with its present owner after having been acquired from Henry Petronis.

The current owner would not keep the Rambler housed away in some private garage. Instead, he would have the car thoroughly prepared and would enter some truly classic touring events. The addition of hydraulic brakes to the rear wheels would all be a prerequisite for the plans the owner had for this time machine.

Partaking in numerous tours with the Horseless Car Club of America, the 1904 Rambler would make the leap across the pond to England where it would take part in the 1996 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. In spite of these numerous long-distance tours, the Rambler has proven itself, again and again, a reliable mount eager for the open road. This would be a true achievement in and of itself, especially for an early American automobile.

Presented with an inviting black leather interior, trimmed in brass, and sporting a bright red livery, the 1904 Rambler Model L Canopy Tonneau remains a remarkable journey into the past, a time when the journey was the trip.

Presented as part of the 2014 RM Auctions' Hershey event, the 1904 Rambler would be a highly anticipated member of the lineup. Estimates prior to the auction had the car selling for between $150,000 and $200,000. This car, having completed a number of long-distance touring events, London to Brighton eligible and still very reliable would meet bidders' expectations and the result would be a sale price of $154,000.

By Jeremy McMullen