Lot 736: 1904 Autocar 12hp Twin Cylinder Model VIII Rear Entrance Tonneau

The great U.S. steel town of Pittsburgh was the spritual home of the Autocar, just one of the prolific number of American car manufacturers which sprang up in the infancy of the internal combustion engine. The Clark family had dabbled with motor car production as early as 1897, forming the Pittsburgh Motor Vehicle Company that year. Their first vehicle was a lightweight, gasoline-powered tandem tricycle of just 2hp and in 1898 they built a fragile wicker-bodied four wheeler. Production ceased in Pittsburgh in 1900 when the company moved to nearby Ardmore, trading as The Autocar Company. The capture of the name Autocar was a hugely successful marketing coup and production and sales grew dramatically. By 1902 the company was offering a sophisticated, twin-cylinder, 8 1/2hp car with the engine conventionally placed at the front and featuring shaft drive – major steps forward in American motor car technology. For the 1904 season they launched the Model VIII, a purposeful 12/14hp model which they manufactured alongside the 10/12hp Model X.

This car comes from a long-standing Veteran Car Club member and has successfully completed many London to Brighton veteran car runs and the Edinburgh to London V.C.C. Jubilee Event in 1980. Although a late starter on the Brighton Run, it has consistently completed that event by 2pm, benefiting from a useful turn of speed, good brakes, a comfortable ride and good hill climbing capacity. In recent times the engine has been rebuilt including a new crankshaft, connecting rods, camshaft and bearings. It enjoys the benefit of metal spoked wheels with detachable rims and carries a spare. The car features three forward speeds and reverse. The handsome four seat coachwork is presented in blue livery with red coach lining and upholstered in deep-buttoned red leather. It is equipped with Neverout brass oil lamps and a bulb horn and carries a V.C.C. badge and dating plate. BS 8345 is Veteran Car Club dated (Certificate No.1441) and comes with current road fund licence and MoT certificate. This car is entered for the 2007 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.