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Details
1909 LOZIER BRIARCLIFF TYPE H 45HP FOUR PASSENGER TOURING
Chassis No. 2209
Engine No. 888
Battleship grey with black belting and red pinstriping with red leather interior and a black canvas top
Engine: water cooled, four cylinders, cast in pairs, 45hp; Gearbox: H-pattern four-speed manual; Suspension: front and rear leaf springs with modern shock absorbers fitted; Brakes: two wheel rear drums with transmission brakes. Right hand drive.
When Henry Abram Lozier founded the Lozier Manufacturing Company in the early 1880s he began by investing in the manufacturing of the Cleveland bicycle. Though this was one of several companies owned by Lozier at the time, the Cleveland bicycle business was largely responsible for developing the fortune that would allow Henry Lozier's son, Harry, to carry on the family name until World War I. By 1900 the elder Lozier had sold the Cleveland Bicycle Company to the American Bicycle Company for a massive four million dollars in cash. In the early 1900s the Loziers began experimenting with various powerplants including both the steam and the internal combustion engine. Within a very short time the attention of Harry Lozier was focused upon the internal combustion engine. The result led to the founding of the Lozier Motor Company headquartered in Plattsburgh, New York later that year. Initially the focus of the company was directed at marine engines, however, by 1905 it had been redirected toward the creation of a motor car. Capitalizing on the company's success with marine engines, Lozier adeptly produced a high end motor car that was introduced at the New York Auto Show that year. Under the direction of engineer John Perrin the Lozier was built to the same exacting standards as that of the French, British and German motor cars of the time. Production that year totaled 56 cars, all of which utilized a water cooled, four cylinder, 30-35 horsepower engine mounted on a pressed steel frame. Additionally, the Lozier utilized a dual ignition system, Bosch magneto, mechanically actuated valves accessible through the cylinder heads and most impressively, the car was bigger, faster and better looking than just about anything else on the road at the time.
Two short years later the Lozier Motor Car Company found itself headquartered on 56th Street and Broadway in New York City and employed nearly 300 people at the Plattsburgh factory. The company essentially represented the cutting edge in automotive technology as exemplified by the internal contracting rear drum brakes which were water cooled through a driver actuated air-pressurized cooling tank, remarkably the same type of system that Briggs Cunningham utilized on his Le Mans car fifty years later. With a strong share of the market the men at Lozier then decided the time was right to join the world of racing and in 1907 the company entered two stripped road cars into four of the five grueling 24 hour races in 1907. Impressively, the Loziers dominated finishing first in their maiden race and recording two second place finishes in the ensuing challenges. Their success was marred in their last race as driver L.M. Smelzer crashed fatally, and in observance the sister car withdrew from the remainder of the race. In the ensuing years Lozier continually competed in racing events with perhaps one of the company's greatest successes coming in 1908 at the Brighton Beach 24 hour race. The two cars finished one-two, with the six cylinder finishing a strong first closely followed by the four cylinder car. Lozier executives cleverly capitalized on their racing successes and utilized a strong marketing plan that completed the release of each year's new model. For 1909 Lozier offered three separate lines delineated by horsepower and wheelbase lengths. The four cylinder 33hp Model G with a 116 inch wheelbase, the four cylinder 45hp Type H with a wheelbase of 124 inches and the six cylinder 50hp Type I with a wheelbase of 131 inches. All three lines were offered with a Seven Passenger Touring, Briarcliff or Landaulet body style. The very genuine 1909 Lozier of the Browning Collection is a historically accepted example of the 124 inch wheelbase, four cylinder, 45hp Briarcliff Type H model. It is believed that only one other 1909 example in this configuration exists.
The 1909 Lozier Briarcliff was purchased by Mr. Browning in the mid 1980s from noted early car collector and enthusiast Mr. Tom Lester. We understand that Mr. Lester originally purchased this car nearly 45 years ago from Mr. Don Collee of Arizona in the mid 1950s. When Mr. Lester initially purchased the Briarcliff it was painted blue and white. Several years later, Mr. Lester executed a frame off restoration of the Lozier that included repainting the car in the attractive Battleship grey color it is now finished in. A dark red leather interior and grey carpeting were also fitted during the restoration. Following the restoration the 1909 Lozier was awarded a National First Prize by the Antique Automobile Club of America in 1966. Mr. Lester used the Lozier quite extensively and over time heavy and regular road use necessitated new jugs being cast and employed on the car (we understand that the originals will be included with the car). The Lozier competed in many events nationwide including the annual Glidden Tours, two Great American Races and, though readied for the 1982 Transcontinental Rally, a personal injury to the owner forced the Lozier's last minute withdrawal from the grueling and arduous competition.
With its removable canvas top and rear section, the car can be converted from its elegant yet sporting four passenger configuration to a virtual competition two-seat raceabout as pictured in the accompanying photographs. The bodywork is in good condition and we understand that the only bodywork ever replaced on this car is the cowl. The Lozier is fitted with the correct Model 148L Solar headlamps made exclusively for the Lozier motor cars, as well as a Solar taillamp and Model 712 Solar sidelamps. As this car was toured quite heavily by Mr. Lester it features several modern conveniences as well, some of which include modern turn signals, cleverly concealed headlamps color matched to the car, removable modern gauges including a speedometer, and oil and water temperature gauges as well as the more common replacement stainless steel wheel rims. We understand that the driveshaft on the car has also been changed. The motor and engine bay are in presentable overall condition and feature a flywheel mounted starter, twin distributor coils, a Schebler Model L3 carburetor, a modern radiator core and an electric fan, however any original parts originally removed from the Lozier will be included in the sale of the car. The Lozier features a pressure lubrication system as well as McCanna Multiple Pump oil system, dual side mirrors, a Lozier motometer, a single side mounted spare, running board mounted mechanic's seat, a very attractive dogleg windshield and an impressively agile four speed H-pattern gearbox. Overall, the Lozier's interior and exterior have a lovely patina of road use and the underbody is in very presentable condition.
In a recent phone conversation with Mr. Lester he recounted a very exciting personal story involving the 1909 Lozier and a 1915 Simplex. Mr. Lester and his friend Mr. Ed North were debating which of the two cars was faster. It was quickly settled when Mr. North, driving the 1909 Lozier, passed the Simplex piloted by Mr. Lester on a freeway outside of Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. North then slowed to the same speed, looked at Mr. Lester, smiled and raised three fingers in the air. He promptly shifted into fourth gear and left a bewildered Mr. Lester and his 50hp Simplex, already in top gear, far behind. The debate was settled, Lozier 1 - Simplex 0.
These very fast, early Loziers are highly desirable and we understand that of the Briarcliff Type H models only two are known to exist today. The 45hp Lozier represents the pinnacle of engineering design from the small company. Lozier's racing success with a road going car was phenomenal as one of the only car companies flying the American flag against the mighty Fiats and Mercedes in the formative years of sanctioned and non-sanctioned competitive racing. They sacrificed nothing in the production of their automobiles and though only 250 are recorded as being built in 1909, they were undoubtedly some of the world's greatest cars that year. Notably, this Lozier is also pictured in the comprehensive article on the Lozier Motor Company written by noted author Beverly Rae Kimes in volume VII, number four of the Automobile Quarterly. This rare and exceptionally powerful motor car is highly recommended and we encourage close inspection.
WITHOUT RESERVE
Chassis No. 2209
Engine No. 888
Battleship grey with black belting and red pinstriping with red leather interior and a black canvas top
Engine: water cooled, four cylinders, cast in pairs, 45hp; Gearbox: H-pattern four-speed manual; Suspension: front and rear leaf springs with modern shock absorbers fitted; Brakes: two wheel rear drums with transmission brakes. Right hand drive.
When Henry Abram Lozier founded the Lozier Manufacturing Company in the early 1880s he began by investing in the manufacturing of the Cleveland bicycle. Though this was one of several companies owned by Lozier at the time, the Cleveland bicycle business was largely responsible for developing the fortune that would allow Henry Lozier's son, Harry, to carry on the family name until World War I. By 1900 the elder Lozier had sold the Cleveland Bicycle Company to the American Bicycle Company for a massive four million dollars in cash. In the early 1900s the Loziers began experimenting with various powerplants including both the steam and the internal combustion engine. Within a very short time the attention of Harry Lozier was focused upon the internal combustion engine. The result led to the founding of the Lozier Motor Company headquartered in Plattsburgh, New York later that year. Initially the focus of the company was directed at marine engines, however, by 1905 it had been redirected toward the creation of a motor car. Capitalizing on the company's success with marine engines, Lozier adeptly produced a high end motor car that was introduced at the New York Auto Show that year. Under the direction of engineer John Perrin the Lozier was built to the same exacting standards as that of the French, British and German motor cars of the time. Production that year totaled 56 cars, all of which utilized a water cooled, four cylinder, 30-35 horsepower engine mounted on a pressed steel frame. Additionally, the Lozier utilized a dual ignition system, Bosch magneto, mechanically actuated valves accessible through the cylinder heads and most impressively, the car was bigger, faster and better looking than just about anything else on the road at the time.
Two short years later the Lozier Motor Car Company found itself headquartered on 56th Street and Broadway in New York City and employed nearly 300 people at the Plattsburgh factory. The company essentially represented the cutting edge in automotive technology as exemplified by the internal contracting rear drum brakes which were water cooled through a driver actuated air-pressurized cooling tank, remarkably the same type of system that Briggs Cunningham utilized on his Le Mans car fifty years later. With a strong share of the market the men at Lozier then decided the time was right to join the world of racing and in 1907 the company entered two stripped road cars into four of the five grueling 24 hour races in 1907. Impressively, the Loziers dominated finishing first in their maiden race and recording two second place finishes in the ensuing challenges. Their success was marred in their last race as driver L.M. Smelzer crashed fatally, and in observance the sister car withdrew from the remainder of the race. In the ensuing years Lozier continually competed in racing events with perhaps one of the company's greatest successes coming in 1908 at the Brighton Beach 24 hour race. The two cars finished one-two, with the six cylinder finishing a strong first closely followed by the four cylinder car. Lozier executives cleverly capitalized on their racing successes and utilized a strong marketing plan that completed the release of each year's new model. For 1909 Lozier offered three separate lines delineated by horsepower and wheelbase lengths. The four cylinder 33hp Model G with a 116 inch wheelbase, the four cylinder 45hp Type H with a wheelbase of 124 inches and the six cylinder 50hp Type I with a wheelbase of 131 inches. All three lines were offered with a Seven Passenger Touring, Briarcliff or Landaulet body style. The very genuine 1909 Lozier of the Browning Collection is a historically accepted example of the 124 inch wheelbase, four cylinder, 45hp Briarcliff Type H model. It is believed that only one other 1909 example in this configuration exists.
The 1909 Lozier Briarcliff was purchased by Mr. Browning in the mid 1980s from noted early car collector and enthusiast Mr. Tom Lester. We understand that Mr. Lester originally purchased this car nearly 45 years ago from Mr. Don Collee of Arizona in the mid 1950s. When Mr. Lester initially purchased the Briarcliff it was painted blue and white. Several years later, Mr. Lester executed a frame off restoration of the Lozier that included repainting the car in the attractive Battleship grey color it is now finished in. A dark red leather interior and grey carpeting were also fitted during the restoration. Following the restoration the 1909 Lozier was awarded a National First Prize by the Antique Automobile Club of America in 1966. Mr. Lester used the Lozier quite extensively and over time heavy and regular road use necessitated new jugs being cast and employed on the car (we understand that the originals will be included with the car). The Lozier competed in many events nationwide including the annual Glidden Tours, two Great American Races and, though readied for the 1982 Transcontinental Rally, a personal injury to the owner forced the Lozier's last minute withdrawal from the grueling and arduous competition.
With its removable canvas top and rear section, the car can be converted from its elegant yet sporting four passenger configuration to a virtual competition two-seat raceabout as pictured in the accompanying photographs. The bodywork is in good condition and we understand that the only bodywork ever replaced on this car is the cowl. The Lozier is fitted with the correct Model 148L Solar headlamps made exclusively for the Lozier motor cars, as well as a Solar taillamp and Model 712 Solar sidelamps. As this car was toured quite heavily by Mr. Lester it features several modern conveniences as well, some of which include modern turn signals, cleverly concealed headlamps color matched to the car, removable modern gauges including a speedometer, and oil and water temperature gauges as well as the more common replacement stainless steel wheel rims. We understand that the driveshaft on the car has also been changed. The motor and engine bay are in presentable overall condition and feature a flywheel mounted starter, twin distributor coils, a Schebler Model L3 carburetor, a modern radiator core and an electric fan, however any original parts originally removed from the Lozier will be included in the sale of the car. The Lozier features a pressure lubrication system as well as McCanna Multiple Pump oil system, dual side mirrors, a Lozier motometer, a single side mounted spare, running board mounted mechanic's seat, a very attractive dogleg windshield and an impressively agile four speed H-pattern gearbox. Overall, the Lozier's interior and exterior have a lovely patina of road use and the underbody is in very presentable condition.
In a recent phone conversation with Mr. Lester he recounted a very exciting personal story involving the 1909 Lozier and a 1915 Simplex. Mr. Lester and his friend Mr. Ed North were debating which of the two cars was faster. It was quickly settled when Mr. North, driving the 1909 Lozier, passed the Simplex piloted by Mr. Lester on a freeway outside of Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. North then slowed to the same speed, looked at Mr. Lester, smiled and raised three fingers in the air. He promptly shifted into fourth gear and left a bewildered Mr. Lester and his 50hp Simplex, already in top gear, far behind. The debate was settled, Lozier 1 - Simplex 0.
These very fast, early Loziers are highly desirable and we understand that of the Briarcliff Type H models only two are known to exist today. The 45hp Lozier represents the pinnacle of engineering design from the small company. Lozier's racing success with a road going car was phenomenal as one of the only car companies flying the American flag against the mighty Fiats and Mercedes in the formative years of sanctioned and non-sanctioned competitive racing. They sacrificed nothing in the production of their automobiles and though only 250 are recorded as being built in 1909, they were undoubtedly some of the world's greatest cars that year. Notably, this Lozier is also pictured in the comprehensive article on the Lozier Motor Company written by noted author Beverly Rae Kimes in volume VII, number four of the Automobile Quarterly. This rare and exceptionally powerful motor car is highly recommended and we encourage close inspection.
WITHOUT RESERVE
Special notice
This lot has no reserve.