Indianapolis Roadster
Chassis #: 19789
The Firestone-Columbus Company arose from the Columbus Buggy Company, of Columbus, Ohio. They entered the automobile business in 1903 with an electric car and by 1910 the Columbus Buggy Company had a projected production of 1,000 cars. The Firestone-Columbus was very advanced for its day, having left-hand steering and a drop-center chassis by 1910. The following year, a center gear change and an acetylene starter became available, when most others were experimenting with compressed air.In 1907 and 1908, a gasoline-powered line of high-wheelers was built, powered by a two-cylinder engine that had rope drive, and were sometimes referred to as 'Buggymobile' or 'Columbuses.' In 1909, the company entered the upper end of the market with the $1,800 Firestone-Columbus, which was named for the company's president, Clinton Dewitt Firestone. During that year, 500 examples were built. The baby tonneau had a 35-horsepower, four-cylinder engine and rested on a 110-inch wheelbase. For 1910, the company offered two models, the Series 6, which was available as a limousine, landaulet, and a family car, and had a 35-horsepower four rested on a 117-inch wheelbase. The Series 7 was available as a coupe or runabout and rested on a 100-inch wheelbase or a light touring on a 113-inch platform.
The first Indianapolis 500 race was in 1911. Starting in the 13th position was a Firestone-Columbus known as 'the Red Wing Special' and would finish the race in 13th overall. Designer Lee Frayer was at the wheel and Eddie Rickenbacker served as his co-driver.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2014
Firestone-Columbus
1912 Firestone-Columbus Model 68-D Vehicle Profiles
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