1903 Dyke Runabout Runabout

There are only three known examples of the Dyke automobile known to be in existence. This particular example is Dyke's No.1 Outfit gasoline runabout. It was once part of William Harrah's National Auto Museum and there it received a restoration. The current owner acquired it in 1985 from a Harrah's sale. A cosmetic restoration soon began, with the exterior being repainted in red and reupholstering the seats with black leather. Several corrections were undertaken from the prior restoration, such as installing a proper Phare Solar headlamp and side lamps, and an Amish wheel maker was commissioned to craft new correct wheel spokes.

Near the close of the 1990s, the car was given an upgraded drive sprocket for greater top speeds. It was used by the owner in several events that included touring 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach and participating in two tours held by the 1 and 2 Cylinder Registry.

Scott Henningsen was tasked around 2005 to completely rebuild the original engine, which included a newly machined aluminum piston and insert bearings.

In 2016, it was put on display at the St. Louis Transportation Museum.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2020