2-Cylinder, Horizontally-Opposed Engine
6hp
3-Speed Transmission
Full Elliptic Leaf Spring Suspension Front and Rear
2-Wheel Brakes

*Previous ownership for more than 30 years
*Once in the collection of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
*A correct and original example of the model
*Potentially eligible for the London to Brighton

STEVENS-DURYEA

The J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co. of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts got into the automobile business in 1901, offering a car designed by J. Frank Duryea—who, along with brother Charles, had produced America's first series-built automobiles in 1895. In November of that same year, Frank drove a Duryea horseless carriage to victory in the first automobile race ever held in America.

First generation Stevens-Duryea cars were produced between 1901 and 1906. Built on a 69-inch wheelbase, they were powered by a horizontally opposed 2-cylinder engine originally rated at five horsepower. The cars featured an unusual mechanism that permitted the driver to start the engine while seated, instead of by direct cranking. Steering was by tiller. After 1903, a 3-speed sliding gear transmission was used and the 1904 model, with its engine now rated at seven horsepower, boasted a new three-point engine mounting.

In 1905, Stevens-Duryea produced its first 4-cylinder; a huge 6-cylinder model, priced at $5,000, followed in 1906. That same year, Stevens-Duryea became a separate company from J. Stevens. During the years that followed, Stevens-Duryea cars became increasingly impressive and expensive. Then, in 1915, the Westinghouse Corp. bought the company, using the factory to produce war material. After the Armistice, a group of former executives bought Stevens-Duryea and resumed car production. The new 6-cylinder models that they offered were priced as high as $9,500...right up there with Pierce-Arrow's most expensive cars. The company would be sold again at least twice before the final Stevens-Duryea was built in 1927.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This car would seem to be a benchmark example of the 1903 Stevens-Duryea 2-cylinder Model L Runabout, which listed new for $1,250, from its 'Stanhope' bodywork design with fold down front seats to its intricate and individual controls.

The car has emerged in recent years after long term exhibit and latterly storage in the collection of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, who had no doubt acquired it as a representation of Frank Duryea's pioneering race win.

According information on file, the Stevens was clearly on exhibit for some time in a formal manner, the accompanying board or write up for it noted the following information: 'Model L 1903, Serial Number 326' 'This attractive runabout was first registered by Dr. Arthur B. Coffin of New Dorchester, Mass., September 22, 1903, registration 2747. He drove it in his profession and for pleasure until June, 1910, when for sentimental reasons it was hoisted and hung by rope from the rafters in his barn. On October 25, 1941, he sold the car to an automobile repairman in Cambridge, who used it a short while for advertising. Later a Boston man bought it and put it into storage to hold for speculation. I acquired the car in 1948 and have had it restored as nearly as possible to its original condition.' Mrs. George E. Felton, 65 Commonwealth Ave., Boston. Amazingly this appears to establish its complete history from new, and it is thought that the Indianapolis Museum would have acquired the car from Felton.

Unseen for many years and certainly unused for a considerable amount of time, close inspection shows the car simply to have aged gracefully rather than to have seen any mechanical or cosmetic detriment. It also appears to be ostensibly complete, from its mechanical aspect through to its bodywork and even leather fenders.

Collectors have come to prize early Stevens-Duryea automobiles, as the make was one of the higher quality smaller American vehicles built around the turn of the century, though surviving examples are few and far between. This therefore represents a rare opportunity, with a charming patina throughout and potentially once officially dated use on the world famous Bonhams sponsored London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.