Very old car in a picture... what is it?

[aaron7]

Our town (Townsend MA) is trying to figure out what kind of car or buggy this is. I figured you guys would be the best to ask!

Whatever it is looks like a high end model! Three headlights, tail light(s), mud guards, glossy paint... it's decked out!

 

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[hursst]

Search AACA on Google and go to their site and post this photo on their forum. This is the Antique Automobile Collectors of America site, and you should be able to get your answer there.

 

[duggap]

Also, check and see if that isn't a battery run auto instead of a steam or gas engine.

 

[hursst]

I would also guess that it may be a 1902-04 Stanley Steamer. The chassis looks an awful lot like one of these cars. AACA should have an answer for you.

 

[aaron7]

Posted! Thanks for the forum advice. I'll let you know what it is!

 

[Broken knee]

I think your car pic may be a Charles Duryea car and not a Stanly steamer the first image is a Duryea and the second is a steamer. HH Your car is an earlier model than the one I posted.
BK

 

[hursst]

I think it may be a 1902 Locomobile now. Google it and you'll see an ad for one that almost matches your photo.

 

[Broken knee]

This is a neat site for vintage cars. History of American Automobiles* 1861-1929 Chapter 4
Could it be a Stan hope? or a 1902 eclipse?

BK

 

[hursst]

Here's an old ad for 1902 Locomobile Stanhope B. Note cylinder on the rear deck, fenders, smaller wheels and chassis structure.

 

[nhbenz]

I agree with the timeframe of 1902-1904, but don't feel we have a match. I've looked and looked, and all I can determine is that it's a Runabout style.

 

[DCMatt]

I agree with the timeframe of 1902-1904, but don't feel we have a match. I've looked and looked, and all I can determine is that it's a Runabout style.

Ben - Why do you think it is a runabout? I'm thinking it is a Stanhope. Double eliptical leaf springs on all 4 wheels, right hand tiller steering, bicycle type wheels. T

he only thing I find close to all this is the Locomobile Stanhope mentioned by hursst.

But we have to remeber that in the very early days, even the large producers like Locomobile were only making 1500 cars per year and they were all made to the buyer specification. Few cars were the same. On top of that, these cars were often modified with after market wheels, fenders, lights...

About all I'm comfortable saying for sure is that the car is 1899 - 1903 and the photo was taken before 1910.

It is also interesting to me that the side and tail lights are oil lamps and the front appears to be electric. Also not the throttle lever in the driver's right hand.

DCMatt

 

[DCMatt]

Just an FYI... The license tag on the car is 1903 - 1907 issue.

DCMatt

 

[nhbenz]

Runabouts was just the style, made by many (most?) manufacturers, the Locomobile being one of them. It just means a two seater, not for long trips, etc.

 

[Paleopilot]

Our town (Townsend MA) is trying to figure out what kind of car or buggy this is. I figured you guys would be the best to ask!

Whatever it is looks like a high end model! Three headlights, tail light(s), mud guards, glossy paint... it's decked out!

View attachment 745866

Here is a link, Early American Automobiles 1904 Models might find it here.

 

[DCMatt]

Here's an old ad for 1902 Locomobile Stanhope B. Note cylinder on the rear deck, fenders, smaller wheels and chassis structure.

View attachment 745899

I think hursst is correct. It is an '02 or '03 Locomobile Stanhope.

DCMatt

 

[DCMatt]

Rear gears compare of 1903 Locomobile.



Steering wheel was an optional accessory. Bicycle type wheels also available.

DCMatt

 

[Thommy]

Here's Geronimo in a 1904* Locomobile Model C

 

[old digger]

Your 1904 car, looks very much similar to this 1904 Flint Roadster ad. They both have the tillman steering on the right side, and they both have the same curve on the bonnet, and they both have the bicycle type tires. It does have a similar rear deck except the one in the ad has a stripes on the rear sides. Hope this is what you are looking for.

P.S. Back then lights and bumpers were accessories.

 

[Broken knee]

I wish I could see the detail that i circled in the posters image, in the pic of the Stanhope B that hursst posted? HH
BK
Looking at them together, the hoods are way different never mind the trim?

 

[Toadady]

It's a Rolls-Canardly