c.1902 Flint 8hp Roadster

Lot details
Registration No: Un-Reg
Chassis No: T.B.A.
Mot Expiry: None

Weighed down by the pressures of his senior post within the mighty Durant-Dort Carriage Company, A.B.C. (Alexander Brunnell Cullin) Hardy took early retirement at the turn of the twentieth century. A firm believer in the future of the internal combustion engine, he tried and failed to convince various Michigan-based carriage builders to go 'horseless' before founding the Flint Automobile Company with this own money during late 1901. Influenced by an in-depth tour of various European motorcar manufacturers that Hardy had undertaken after leaving Durant-Dort, the Flint Roadster entered production towards the end of 1902. A description of the newcomer appeared in the December 24th 1902 issue of 'The Horseless Age' magazine, while another was carried by 'The Automobile' magazine on 21st February 1903:

"The Flint Roadster, publicly displayed for the first time by the Flint Automobile Co. of Flint, Michigan is shown in a booth close by. This is a light car of the single-cylinder, horizontal motor type developing 8.5 horse power at 750rpm. The motor can be throttled down to 200 revolutions. The cylinder is 5.5 inches bore by 6 inches stroke. The car has a 72 inch wheelbase and a 43 inch seat. It has a reachless rectangular platform frame, artillery wheels and a hood with a double curve that gives the car an individuality of its own. The body is also noticeably long back of the seat. It is finished in black with gold striping. The space under the head is utilised solely for storage purposes. The water and fuel tanks are placed side by side longitudinally at the right of the motor in the rear. They hold respectively 7.5 and 9.5 gallons. The cylinder and cylinder head, including valves and plug are water jacketed, preventing premature ignition. The inlet valve acts by inspiration, but the exhaust valve is mechanically operated. The Kingston carburettor, made by Byron Kingston of Kokomo, Indiana is used. Transmission is by the Champion No.2 planetary gear, giving two forward speeds and reverse, operated by one lever. Drive is by single Baldwin chain to Brown-Lipe differential gear at the middle of the rear axle. Steering is by side tiller. The motor runs noiselessly and without perceptible odour. Seventeen of these vehicles have been put out to date and preparations have been made for extensive production this year. The car complete, weighs 1,100 pounds".

It is perhaps unsurprising that the specifications quoted for the Flint Roadster varied from publication to publication (and sometimes between different issues of the same title). For example, one early illustration shows the model riding on wire wheels and lacking wings but just a few months later another depicts it with artillery wheels, wings, a lighting set and a steering wheel. Priced at circa $750 - $850, Hardy's creation deserved to be a success. However, the fledgling business never really got off the ground thanks to its proprietor being sued by the Association of Licensed Automobile Manufacturers in 1903. Hardy won the resultant court case but it dissuaded him from continuing as an independent manufacturer and he closed The Flint Automobile Company after just two years of production and a rumoured fifty-two cars. Rejoining his former employer William C. Durant, Hardy would later become general manager of both Marquette and Chevrolet.

The vendor informs us that in his opinion this particular example dates from 1902 (though, it is not accompanied by any official dating or registration documents). Reportedly dormant in New York for years, the Flint is now in need of restoration. Though, the seller informs us that the Roadster "still has its original paint and the engine is free. All it apparently wants is four wings, ignition and a carburettor, so with a bit of luck it could be up and running for £3,000 - £4,000". He further tells us that "Flints were made with a choice of left or right tiller or right-hand column steering and this one has the parts to fit either left tiller or right column not to mention a radiator, gearbox and driving chains". A potentially rewarding project, this ultra-rare Veteran is offered for sale with sundry copy literature.