Runabout
This 1908 Zimmerman High Wheeler runabout was the first automobile donated to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum. It is powered by a horizontally opposed, air-cooled engine that displaces 127 cubic inches and produces twelve horsepower. The power is sent to the rear wheels via a chain. This two-passenger runabout rests on a platform that measures 80 inches and originally cost $650.
by Dan Vaughan
The Zimmerman Manufacturing Company of Auburn, Indiana produced automobiles from 1907 to 1915. Elias Zimmerman was the President, Franklin T. Zimmerman was the Vice President & General Manager, and John Zimmerman was the Secretary-Treasurer. Their vehicle was a high-wheel buggy, which was very popular in the early years of the automobile industry. They were especially useful for rural customers who needed vehicles that could endure the rough and rutted roads of the period. These were basically buggies with an engine. Zimmerman, who had been in the carriage industry prior to manufacturing automobiles, naturally evolved their product with the addition of an engine. The engines powering the Zimmerman vehicles were sourced from the Model Gas Engine Co. of Auburn, Indiana.
The first Zimmerman High Wheeler was a runabout with seating for two passengers and powered by a two-cylinder 12 horsepower engine and rode on solid rubber tires. Four models entered into production in 1910 and were built for them by the Auburn Automobile Company. Pricing at that time ranged from $650 to $1,500.
For 1911, horsepower on the four-cylinder units rose to 40. Wheelbase sizes increased to 117 inches and a new selective type sliding gear transmission replaced the planetary units. Pricing ranged from $1500 to $1700 and four body styles were available.
In 1913, a Zimmerman Six was added, as well as a subsidiary company that built the de Soto automobile.
The company had made tremendous strides to keep its production modern, however, the demand for the high-wheeler was continually decreasing. After the deaths of Elias and Franklin Zimmerman, John Zimmerman continued the company until 1915.
by Dan Vaughan