1907 Locomobile Model E

Runabout
Chassis number: 1322
Engine number: 1563

Automobile historian and writer Henry Austin Clark Jr. is believed to have acquired this Model E shortly before or after the Second World War. It is believed that a prior owner was Mike Caruso, owner of the famous salvage yard in Hicksville, Long Island. In 1987, the Model E was acquired by Richard C. Paine Jr. and displayed at his Seal Cove Auto Museum until being acquired by Mr. Ruger. When acquired, the Locomobile had a Model I Touring Body, which was not original to the chassis, and a restoration by Classic Car Services of South Paris, Maine, was commissioned. The work included a rebuild of the chassis, running gear, and engine. The carburetor was in poor condition, so a newer unit was sourced. The low tension 'make and break' ignition has been retained and is in working order. It operates via small tappets that open contacts within the combustion chambers, which creates a spark.

The Model I body was removed and replaced with a newly fabricated two-seater runabout body built based on period photos and on catalogues. The coachwork is original from the seat forward, including the original floorboard and running board edging and chain box. The rear fenders and rear of the body, the trunk, and the seat are all new. The car is finished in two-tone red paint with a light red pin-striping.

The car is fitted with Sibley & Pitman 'Climax' acetylene headlights, Corcoran side lamps, and a Dietz kerosene 'Dainty Tail Lamp.' The original, Attwood-Castle, vertical canister, and acetylene generator has been retained but replaced with an acetylene canister that sits in a brass container.

The T-head four-cylinder engine displaces 199 cubic inches and produces 20 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual transmission with double-chain drive and two-wheel rear mechanical brakes.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the St. Johns sale presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $90,000 - $130,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $74,250 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

The Locomobile Company, founded by Amzi L. Barber and John Brisben Walker, produced automobiles from 1899 through 1929 and was based in Bridgeport, Connecticut. A deal with the Stanley Steamer Company allowed the Locomobile Company to produce steam-powered vehicles of their own design. Their buggies sold well; however, the steam-powered design did have shortcomings which began to give the Locomobile Company a bad name. The steam designs were prone to accidents such as exploding or catching on fire. At times, they were unreliable. Many of the water tanks were too small and proved to be inadequate to meet many travelers' needs. Within a few years, the company began experimenting with combustion engines. By 1902 the company was offering both steam and combustion engines to its consumers. Within a year, they were no longer selling steam-powered cars.

The name 'Locomobile' had been pieced together from the words 'Locomotive' and 'Automobile'. The union of these two words led to the word 'Locomobile'.

During the early 1900s, the company offered a variety of body styles, including the Runabout, which had seating for two. The attractive price tag helped boost sales. The Touring Car version added additional seating and a tonneau cover which helped shield the occupants from the elements. The four-cylinder engine with around 16 horsepower helped carry the 2200-pound steel-framed vehicle to respectable speeds.

Within a short amount of time, the Locomobile Company became a very popular car in the United States which led to the company's slogan: 'Easily the Best Car in America.' By 1901, there were 1500 cars created, followed by 2500 the following year. By 1903 they were outpaced by Olds' Curved Dash Runabout. As the Stanley's and Mr. Walker parted company, the job of chief engineer was given to Mr. Andrew L. Riker.

Mr. Riker's first gasoline Locomobile was created in 1902. It had two cylinders and produced six horsepower. The following year, a four-cylinder T-head unit was created with 12/16 horsepower available. This engine propelled the 86-inch wheelbase vehicles, which featured seating for five and a body constructed from aluminum. The gasoline engines quickly became the more popular of the fuel sources, which led Locomobile to no longer produce steam-powered vehicles after 1904.

In 1905 Locomobile introduced the Type E which sat on a wheelbase that measured 96 inches and was powered by a 15/20 horsepower T-head four-cylinder engine that displaced 198.8 cubic inches. It sold for $2,800 in the tourer body style with the landaulet costing $3,300. Production of the Type E lasted until 1908.

by Dan Vaughan