LOT 616
1907 Tourist Model K Side-Entrance Touring
Sold for US$54,990 inc. premium
Lot 616
1907 Tourist Model K Side-Entrance Touring
1907 Tourist Model K Side-Entrance Touring
No one would dispute California's love of the automobile. No part of the world seems to enjoy their cars the culture that accompanies them as much as the Golden State. Today there are more great antique cars in California then perhaps any other place in the world. But despite California's love of the car there is scarcely little automotive manufacturing history in the State. Best known perhaps for coachbuilders such as the heralded Murphy in Pasadena, few actual cars were built in the state.
This 1907 Tourist is one of the exceptions. It is one of the very few California-made cars, produced in Los Angeles to be specific and a very early one at that. Founded in 1902, the Auto Vehicle Company built the Tourist motorcars, and was established on 943 North Main Street in Los Angeles. The first cars were designed by Ralph B. Hain and rolled out of the factory late in 1902. These primitive single cylinder machines were produced in a run of just twelve examples. In 1903 Watt Moreland, the designer of the Magnolia car, was hired to design a new twin-cylinder model. The two-cylinder car followed the pattern of American cars of the period. The large 20hp twin was mounted mid-ship driving the rear wheels through a single chain drive. This design had proved reliable for American roads with the high stance and the large motor that produced good hill climbing torque – a requirement in California. This new model proved a success for the Auto Vehicle Company and by 1905 a larger facility was needed to keep up with production. The new factory was located at Tenth Street and South Main Street, Los Angeles. Despite rising demand, productions were never large: 17 cars were produced in 1903, 75 in 1904, and 150 in 1905 though production rose to almost 500 units in 1906 and 1907.
The firm started to falter in 1909 and was acquired by the newly formed California Automobile Company. Starting in 1906, a series of four-cylinder cars was produced with outsourced engines. Automobile production ceased in 1914; the end of an era for California's most popular early car.
This Model K represents the last and most highly refined of the original two-cylinder production. It is also the last of those built prior to the company's acquisition. This well-known car has been an active member of the old car community for decades, it is featured in the Standard Catalog of American cars – the only contemporary photo of a Tourist used. Restored a while back, the car still looks fresh and has very nice upholstery work. Despite its two-cylinder configuration the car is large in stature, enhanced by its full "two-man bow-legged" top. The attractive side entrance coachwork fits nicely with the Tourists distinctive front end and the extra space is always appreciated when touring. This high quality car has been updated with a few features to make it a bit more user friendly to operate. An electric starter has been fitted as well as more modern carburetors. The car has been on display for a number of years at the Port Townsend Aero Museum and will likely need a bit of maintenance prior to running.
This unusual piece of California motoring history has appeal both as a Museum item as well as a capable HCCA touring vehicle.
This 1907 Tourist is one of the exceptions. It is one of the very few California-made cars, produced in Los Angeles to be specific and a very early one at that. Founded in 1902, the Auto Vehicle Company built the Tourist motorcars, and was established on 943 North Main Street in Los Angeles. The first cars were designed by Ralph B. Hain and rolled out of the factory late in 1902. These primitive single cylinder machines were produced in a run of just twelve examples. In 1903 Watt Moreland, the designer of the Magnolia car, was hired to design a new twin-cylinder model. The two-cylinder car followed the pattern of American cars of the period. The large 20hp twin was mounted mid-ship driving the rear wheels through a single chain drive. This design had proved reliable for American roads with the high stance and the large motor that produced good hill climbing torque – a requirement in California. This new model proved a success for the Auto Vehicle Company and by 1905 a larger facility was needed to keep up with production. The new factory was located at Tenth Street and South Main Street, Los Angeles. Despite rising demand, productions were never large: 17 cars were produced in 1903, 75 in 1904, and 150 in 1905 though production rose to almost 500 units in 1906 and 1907.
The firm started to falter in 1909 and was acquired by the newly formed California Automobile Company. Starting in 1906, a series of four-cylinder cars was produced with outsourced engines. Automobile production ceased in 1914; the end of an era for California's most popular early car.
This Model K represents the last and most highly refined of the original two-cylinder production. It is also the last of those built prior to the company's acquisition. This well-known car has been an active member of the old car community for decades, it is featured in the Standard Catalog of American cars – the only contemporary photo of a Tourist used. Restored a while back, the car still looks fresh and has very nice upholstery work. Despite its two-cylinder configuration the car is large in stature, enhanced by its full "two-man bow-legged" top. The attractive side entrance coachwork fits nicely with the Tourists distinctive front end and the extra space is always appreciated when touring. This high quality car has been updated with a few features to make it a bit more user friendly to operate. An electric starter has been fitted as well as more modern carburetors. The car has been on display for a number of years at the Port Townsend Aero Museum and will likely need a bit of maintenance prior to running.
This unusual piece of California motoring history has appeal both as a Museum item as well as a capable HCCA touring vehicle.
Saleroom notices
The chassis number for this lot is 1921; the car is titled under this number. This car does NOT have an electric start fitted.
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