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Details
Photo Credit: Dave Gooley
The 14th International built, and believed to be the earliest surviving
1907 INTERNATIONAL HIGHWHEELER FOUR SEATER
Chassis No. 14
Unpainted wood bodywork, with black upholstery
Engine: flat twin cylinder,hp; Gearbox: two speed friction transmission chain drive; Suspension: front and rear, fully elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: transmission type. Right hand drive.
The Highwheeler style of automobile grew from a demand in the rural United States for an inexpensive horseless carriage. The buggy-like cars had tall carriage style wheels with hard rubber tires that were well suited to the slow moving road conditions of the time. These vehicles were often designed and used for utilitarian purposes unlike many of the expensive touring cars of that era. The mass produced Model T Ford would prove far superior in design, reliability and versatility to the Highwheelers at approximately the same cost. This eventually caused their demise.
This car was made by the International Harvester Company of Chicago, Illinois. Though the company built its first experimental motor buggy in 1899, it did not produce its first automotive car until 1907. In February of the same year the first production International Highwheeler was completed at McCormick Works in Chicago. After the first 100 units were built the company moved the production to Akron, Ohio where they resumed building some 4,500 Highwheelers.
This International has been in the present ownership for more than 15 years, during which time it has been restored and rebuilt to the current bodywork configuration. With this period style of coachwork it conforms to the 1907 four person Farmer's Auto design as offered originally by International, and is appropriately appointed with button back upholstery. Dash mounted side lights are fitted.
Despite its antique appearance, the International is not eligible for many of the early car events which mostly have cut-off dates of 1904/5 or 6, however it is usable for Horseless Carriage Club events.
With the designation of number 14, this International must date from very early on in their production, and it is firmly believed that no earlier one exists, making this the earliest surviving example.
WITHOUT RESERVE
The 14th International built, and believed to be the earliest surviving
1907 INTERNATIONAL HIGHWHEELER FOUR SEATER
Chassis No. 14
Unpainted wood bodywork, with black upholstery
Engine: flat twin cylinder,hp; Gearbox: two speed friction transmission chain drive; Suspension: front and rear, fully elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: transmission type. Right hand drive.
The Highwheeler style of automobile grew from a demand in the rural United States for an inexpensive horseless carriage. The buggy-like cars had tall carriage style wheels with hard rubber tires that were well suited to the slow moving road conditions of the time. These vehicles were often designed and used for utilitarian purposes unlike many of the expensive touring cars of that era. The mass produced Model T Ford would prove far superior in design, reliability and versatility to the Highwheelers at approximately the same cost. This eventually caused their demise.
This car was made by the International Harvester Company of Chicago, Illinois. Though the company built its first experimental motor buggy in 1899, it did not produce its first automotive car until 1907. In February of the same year the first production International Highwheeler was completed at McCormick Works in Chicago. After the first 100 units were built the company moved the production to Akron, Ohio where they resumed building some 4,500 Highwheelers.
This International has been in the present ownership for more than 15 years, during which time it has been restored and rebuilt to the current bodywork configuration. With this period style of coachwork it conforms to the 1907 four person Farmer's Auto design as offered originally by International, and is appropriately appointed with button back upholstery. Dash mounted side lights are fitted.
Despite its antique appearance, the International is not eligible for many of the early car events which mostly have cut-off dates of 1904/5 or 6, however it is usable for Horseless Carriage Club events.
With the designation of number 14, this International must date from very early on in their production, and it is firmly believed that no earlier one exists, making this the earliest surviving example.
WITHOUT RESERVE
Special notice
This lot is offered without reserve.