1914 Haynes Model 27 Touring

This 1914 Haynes Model 27 features a Vulcan electric gear shift. There were 1,883 examples produced of all body styles and models by Haynes in 1914. The list price was $2,785. It features a 6/12 volt split electrical system, starting and charging on 12 volts, with lights running on 6 volts.

This unrestored car has been in the same family for 70 years and lived in the same city (Mason City, Iowa) until 2007. It is believed to have 4,187 actual miles. It wears its original top, interior, and paint. The car was shown at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours and participated in the Pebble Beach Motoring Tour.

Elwood Haynes designed and built a petrol-driven buggy as early as 1894, and on that Fourth of July the car took to the road just outside of Kokomo, Indiana, becoming one of the first-ever self-propelled gasoline vehicles in America. (The Duryea brothers were first in September 1893.) This 1914 Haynes 27 with touring style bodywork remained with the same family in Mason City, Iowa, from 1915 through 1986. Purchased by the current owner in 2006, the car is completely original, including the top and interior, side curtains, seat covers, tools, and the then-much-needed tire chains.

This 1914 Haynes Model 27 50 HP Touring was awarded the Preservation Class Award at the 2007 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It is powered by a six-cylinder engine that displaces 7763cc and is capable of producing 50 horsepower. There is a three-speed selective gear transmission with Vulcan Electric gearshift, contracting and expanding brakes on the rear wheels. It is an original and low-mileage example.

A few months later it was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars sale at Hershey, PA presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $125,000 - $175,000. As the gavel fell, the lot had been sold for $112,750 including the buyer's premium.

This Haynes Tourer was acquired new by the O'Leary family of Mason City, Iowa, and handed down through generations. In the mid-1980s, it was sold to another Mason City resident, Wayne Schmidt, and with the help of a friend, would resurrect the Haynes, fitting new tires and entering the car in an AACA event. This tourer remained with Mr. Schmidt until his passing in 2007. The vehicle's next owner displayed it in the Preservation Class at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it received a Third in Class result.

This car is powered by a 468 cubic-inch inline 6-cylinder engine breathing through a single Updraft carburetor and producing 50 horsepower (Rated). The engine is paired with a three-speed Sliding Preselector Vulcan Electric-Shift Gearbox and there are rear wheel mechanical drum brakes. At the front is a solid axle while the rear has a live axle setup. Semi-Elliptical leaf springs are at the front and rear. In 2008, the magneto and water pump were rebuilt, and various seals were replaced. Additionally, the brakes were relined. Since then, this Tourer has participated in numerous tours, which it completed without fault.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2007