1907 Holsman Highwheeler Runabout

The high-wheeler was essentially a horseless carriage. It had excellent ground clearance and was suitable for the deplorable road conditions at the time.

The founder of the Holsman Automobile Company of Chicago, Illinois was Henry Holsman. His design was simplistic with the early examples having a driveline by manila rope, which prove unsatisfactory after it sustained wet-weather use. Along with his associate C.H. Bryan, Holsman devised a chain braided over with manual and steel wire, and then finally settled with a chain alone. They had hand-operated brakes, solid rubber tires, and a right-hand tiller.

This 1907 Holsman High-Wheel Runabout wears an older restoration. It earned its AACA Senior National First Prize in 1986 and a Grand National Award in 1988. Since then, it has resided in a private museum and has seen little use.

This High-Wheeler is finished in black and has a dark green chassis with red coach lines, black upholstery, and simple brass trim. Power is from an air-cooled horizontally two-cylinder engine displacing 100.5 cubic inches and offering 10 horsepower. There is a two-speed transmission with reverse, and hand-operated brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2014