Details
1906 COLUMBIA MARK XLVII 45HP SEVEN PASSENGER TOURING
COACHWORK BY C.P. KIMBALL
Chassis No. 8499
Engine: four-cylinder, F-head, 392ci, 45hp; Gearbox: four-speed; Brakes: rear drums; Suspension: front, semi-elliptical leaf springs, rear, full elliptical leaf springs. Right-hand drive.
The first Columbia automobiles were electric powered and built in Hartford, Connecticut in 1897. The Columbia marque was actually owned by Colonel Albert A. Pope, who headed the huge Pope manufacturing company. At the turn of the century Pope was the largest producer of bicycles, and began manufacturing in different factories a complete line of automobiles - both electric and gasoline powered. Columbia automobiles were known for their incredible high quality finish and advanced design, which were often influenced by the latest European machinery.
This Columbia has a most interesting history. It was purchased new at the 1906 Chicago Auto Show by Howard E. Perry, a shrewd businessman who at that time had just made a fortune from his Quicksilver (mercury) mines in Terilingua, Texas. The Columbia, fitted with coachwork by C.P. Kimball of Chicago, had caught the eye of the "Commander" Perry who intended to use it around his mining towns. When the Columbia arrived in Terilingua, near the Mexican border, it was immediately apparent that harsh and rugged terrain was not suitable for the luxurious new automobile. The Commander ordered that a special adobe building with two rooves and twin walls should protect the Columbia from time and the elements - namely the sun. The Columbia remained sealed off in this building until the mines were purchased by Mr. George Brown, president of Brown and Root Construction in 1941. Mr. Brown had the car removed and then taken to his home in Houston. Upon hearing of the Columbia, collector, Liston Zander purchased it through George Brown, with the proceeds being donated to a local school.
Zander was amazed at the car's condition; the original upholstery was in beautiful condition and the car was totally complete down to the original all white spare tyres. The Columbia has participated in a few tours and shows around the country, winning many awards including the Thomas McKean Trophy for Best Tour Car of the Year in 1953. It was on display at the museum until it was eventually donated by Zander in 1975.
Today it is still in fantastic condition and it is estimated that it has done less than 5,000 miles from new. It still retains its original Illinois and New York registration tags on the dashboard as well as the original operating instructions found underneath the passenger seat. This Columbia with its flared fenders, double-chain drive four-speed is one of the ultimate early brass era cars. We are told that it ran beautifully when last driven in the mid 1980s.
COACHWORK BY C.P. KIMBALL
Chassis No. 8499
Engine: four-cylinder, F-head, 392ci, 45hp; Gearbox: four-speed; Brakes: rear drums; Suspension: front, semi-elliptical leaf springs, rear, full elliptical leaf springs. Right-hand drive.
The first Columbia automobiles were electric powered and built in Hartford, Connecticut in 1897. The Columbia marque was actually owned by Colonel Albert A. Pope, who headed the huge Pope manufacturing company. At the turn of the century Pope was the largest producer of bicycles, and began manufacturing in different factories a complete line of automobiles - both electric and gasoline powered. Columbia automobiles were known for their incredible high quality finish and advanced design, which were often influenced by the latest European machinery.
This Columbia has a most interesting history. It was purchased new at the 1906 Chicago Auto Show by Howard E. Perry, a shrewd businessman who at that time had just made a fortune from his Quicksilver (mercury) mines in Terilingua, Texas. The Columbia, fitted with coachwork by C.P. Kimball of Chicago, had caught the eye of the "Commander" Perry who intended to use it around his mining towns. When the Columbia arrived in Terilingua, near the Mexican border, it was immediately apparent that harsh and rugged terrain was not suitable for the luxurious new automobile. The Commander ordered that a special adobe building with two rooves and twin walls should protect the Columbia from time and the elements - namely the sun. The Columbia remained sealed off in this building until the mines were purchased by Mr. George Brown, president of Brown and Root Construction in 1941. Mr. Brown had the car removed and then taken to his home in Houston. Upon hearing of the Columbia, collector, Liston Zander purchased it through George Brown, with the proceeds being donated to a local school.
Zander was amazed at the car's condition; the original upholstery was in beautiful condition and the car was totally complete down to the original all white spare tyres. The Columbia has participated in a few tours and shows around the country, winning many awards including the Thomas McKean Trophy for Best Tour Car of the Year in 1953. It was on display at the museum until it was eventually donated by Zander in 1975.
Today it is still in fantastic condition and it is estimated that it has done less than 5,000 miles from new. It still retains its original Illinois and New York registration tags on the dashboard as well as the original operating instructions found underneath the passenger seat. This Columbia with its flared fenders, double-chain drive four-speed is one of the ultimate early brass era cars. We are told that it ran beautifully when last driven in the mid 1980s.