1904 Holsman Model 3 Runabout

Henry Kerchner Holsman, an architect who held over 1,000 patents, built his first car, a two-seat 'high-wheeler' Runabout in 1903. Designed to cope with the rough prairie roads of the Midwest, it easily traversed the heavily rutted mud and clay. The first Holsman car had a 6-horsepower engine and was equipped with a patented rope direct drive system and unique tiller steering. At the 1908 Algonquin (Illinois) Hill Climb two 12-horsepower Holsman Runabouts came first and second in the Motor Buggie class. The Holsman Company closed in 1910 after building around 2,500 cars - all with distinctive high-wheel chassis.

This preserved 1904 Holsman Model 3 Runabout retains all of its original equipment. It was purchased by Henry Holsman's grandchildren in 2004 from the original owner's widow.