1907 Holsman Highwheeler Runabout

A buggy with a gasoline engine, the Holsman high-wheeler looked, rode and operated like a 'horseless carriage.' Henry Holsman eschewed mechanical advances to the point that his high-wheeler drove the rear wheels with tensioned manila rope loops. Most remarkable, he stayed with manila, only graduating to grippers on them and then chains long after competitors were recognizing the advantages of shafts and gears. Tillers and solid rubber tires on immense buggy wheels put rural farmers in control of buggies. The tall wheels fitted neatly in the ruts of a century's progress across the Great Plains.

This 1907 Holsman Auto Buggy Buckboard was priced at $650 when new. Power was from an opposed two-cylinder engine with five horsepower and paired to a direct drive transmission. The solid axles were suspended by longitudinal semi-elliptical leaf springs, and brakes were mechanical on the rear tires.

Approximately 1,100 examples were produced from 1902 to 1909.