Details
1920 VELIE MODEL 48 TOURER
Chassis No. 1347R27468
Engine No. 1347R27468
Cream and black with beige interior
Engine: six-cylinder, Continental Red Seal, 7R, 224ci, 55bhp at 2,600rpm; Gearbox: three speed and reverse; Brakes: four wheel drum; Suspension; semi-elliptical at front, three quarter at rear. Left hand drive.
The Velie Motors Coporation of Moline, Illinois built their own coachwork, being already known as high quality carriage builders when they made their first car in 1909. All materials used were of top quality, including a mahogany dash, strong oak body frame and heavy metal panels, with an extra heavy channel steel chassis frame. Forty days were devoted to the final finish, using the best quality paint and varnish. The Velie company was backed by John Deere, the tractor manufacturer and distributed through the John Deere dealerships.
The founder George Velie died in 1928, and his sons decided that the way ahead was in aviation, in which they tried to move, without success, and the Velie company eventually closed.
The model 48 was fitted with the six cylinder Continental Red Seal engine. These engines were unusual for the time that they had four mainbearings. The sharp angular design of the Velie 48 is described in the literature as "The First Authoritative Example of the Modern Style Tendancy - a Harmony of Symmetrical Planes.
There is a great deal of supporting literature with this car, including a booklet on the engine. It was donated to the Museum in October 1982, from Mr Philip Mintari, and it is believed to be one of only three examples known to exist. It has an older restoration with the brightwork at some point being replated in chrome rather than the original nickel. We are told that there is a leak in the fuel tank. It is eligible for the Modoc Tour.
Chassis No. 1347R27468
Engine No. 1347R27468
Cream and black with beige interior
Engine: six-cylinder, Continental Red Seal, 7R, 224ci, 55bhp at 2,600rpm; Gearbox: three speed and reverse; Brakes: four wheel drum; Suspension; semi-elliptical at front, three quarter at rear. Left hand drive.
The Velie Motors Coporation of Moline, Illinois built their own coachwork, being already known as high quality carriage builders when they made their first car in 1909. All materials used were of top quality, including a mahogany dash, strong oak body frame and heavy metal panels, with an extra heavy channel steel chassis frame. Forty days were devoted to the final finish, using the best quality paint and varnish. The Velie company was backed by John Deere, the tractor manufacturer and distributed through the John Deere dealerships.
The founder George Velie died in 1928, and his sons decided that the way ahead was in aviation, in which they tried to move, without success, and the Velie company eventually closed.
The model 48 was fitted with the six cylinder Continental Red Seal engine. These engines were unusual for the time that they had four mainbearings. The sharp angular design of the Velie 48 is described in the literature as "The First Authoritative Example of the Modern Style Tendancy - a Harmony of Symmetrical Planes.
There is a great deal of supporting literature with this car, including a booklet on the engine. It was donated to the Museum in October 1982, from Mr Philip Mintari, and it is believed to be one of only three examples known to exist. It has an older restoration with the brightwork at some point being replated in chrome rather than the original nickel. We are told that there is a leak in the fuel tank. It is eligible for the Modoc Tour.