1910 Premier Model 4-40 Clubman Touring

This 1910 automobile was manufactured in Indianapolis, Indiana, by the Premier Motor Manufacturing Company. This company was in business from 1906 through 1920. The company was one of those companies that never really prospered. Financial difficulties and low production finished many of these small companies.

The Premier was one of the best-built American automobiles of the pre-World War I era. By 1910, when this automobile was built, the Premier had completed three Glidden Tours (essentially, endurance runs) with perfect scores - a significant accomplishment.

Priced at $2,600, the Premier occupied the higher price bracket of American automobiles. It was powered by a four-cylinder, T-head engine that developed 40 horsepower, hence the '4-40' model designation.

This 1910 automobile was manufactured in Indianapolis, Indiana, by the Premier Motor Manufacturing Company. This company was in business from 1906 through 1920. The company was one of those companies that never really prospered. Financial difficulties and low production finished many of these small companies.

The Premier was one of the best-built American automobiles of the pre-World War I era. By 1910, when this automobile was built, the Premier had completed three Glidden Tours (essentially, endurance runs) with perfect scores - a significant accomplishment.

Priced at $2,600, the Premier occupied the higher price bracket of American automobiles. It was powered by a four-cylinder, T-head engine that developed 40 horsepower, hence the '4-40' model designation.

This Premier Model 4-40 Clubman, a close-coupled 'sport touring', features a detachable rear tonneau. It was acquired by the Jack Dunning Collection at Hershey many years ago. It has been modified with a 'mother-in-law' seat and gas tank in lieu of the tonneau. The color scheme was based on period photos acquired by Mr. Dunning

The 334 cubic-inch engine, offering 40 horsepower, features dual camshafts, two separate ignition systems, and a Model T–style coil box and spark plugs. When Mr. Dunning acquired the car, it had the incorrect 'dual ignition' system fitted. Borrowing correct components from a friend's 1910 Premier, Mr. Dunning reproduced them for this car. The only non-stock modification found on this car is a modern starter, invisible aside from the serpentine belt around the flywheel.

After the restoration, it was awarded an AACA Grand National First Prize in 1987 and also appeared at the concours d'elegance at Meadowbrook and Pebble Beach in 1988.