1902 Rambler Model C Runabout

Thomas B. Jeffery, an Englishman, who emigrated to the United States, began the manufacture of bicycles in 1878. It was not long before the Gormully & Jeffery concern was one of the largest manufacturers of bicycles in America. Bicycles were marketed under the trade name Rambler while rivaling Pope-Columbia for the number one position in the American market. Jeffery was a prolific inventor and like many, fascinated by the horseless carriage. He began work on his first in 1897. Following the sudden death of Philip Gormully, he sold his interest in Gormully & Jeffery (to competitor Pope) and bought a factory in Kenosha, Wisconsin formerly owned by the Sterling Bicycle Company. There he set about building the Rambler automobiles. This is the 2nd oldest 1902 Rambler known to exist. Its current caretaker is just its 3rd owner.

The Thomas B. Jeffery Company of Kenosha, Wisconsin was founded in 1902 by Thomas and Charles Jeffery. It manufactured Rambler automobiles which quickly grew in popularity and was soon ranked the second-most mass-produced automobile in the United States. The company's first model was the Model C.

This particular Model C Runabout was once owned by Russell Holden of Chicago. It is believed that there was only one other owner prior to Mr. Holden. While in the care of Mr. Holden, this Rambler participated in the 1996 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run and was subsequently dated by the Veteran Car Club as 1902.

In 2005, this Rambler was acquired by William Alley who became the car's third caretaker. Prior to his acquisition, the Rambler was upgraded with a circular steering wheel replacing the car's original tiller.

Mr. Alley had the car sent to Robinson Restorations of Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, to perform a concours restoration. Upon completion, the Rambler was shown at the AACA National Fall Meet in Hershey, Pennsylvania, in 2006, where it received the coveted AACA Senior Award.

This Rambler has its original tools and oilers. The 95 cubic-inch horizontally mounted single-cylinder engine has a single Schebler carburetor and produces four horsepower. There is a two-speed manual gearbox, twin external-contracting centrally mounted axle brakes, and a live rear axle with full elliptical leaf springs.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2025