1913 Rambler Model 83 Cross Country Tourer

Lot details
Registration No: EU-Reg
Chassis No: 32374
Mot Expiry: Exempt

- Entered from a private collection

- Extensively restored in 2001

- A powerful Edwardian Tourer powered by a magneto-fed 5.2 litre four-cylinder engine

- Rambler cars were guaranteed for 10,000 miles in 1913

- Estimate: £30,000 - £40,000 (Without Reserve)

A successful bicycle manufacturer, Thomas B. Jeffrey of Chicago, Illinois constructed his first prototype motorcar in 1897. Known as a Rambler, like its pedal-powered predecessors, the single-cylinder machine was progressively developed. Interest shown at the 1899 Chicago International Exhibition and Tournament and the first National Automobile Show in New York City convinced Jeffrey to acquire the old Sterling Bicycle Factory in Kenosha, Wisconsin during 1900 and sell his two-wheeler business to Colonel Albert Pope's conglomerate, the American Bicycle Company, the following year. Introduced in February 1902, the first Rambler production car was priced at $750. A single-cylinder model with tiller steering, it attracted 1,500 orders making the Thomas B. Jeffrey Company second only to Oldsmobile in the sales stakes. Twin-cylinder engines were adopted in 1905 and Rambler moved into the luxury market with a four-cylinder unit two years later. A fatal heart attack saw Charles T. Jeffrey take his father's place in 1910. Renamed Jeffrey in its founder's honour during 1914, the marque was purchased by Charles Nash of Nash Motors two years later. The last design to bear the Rambler moniker, the Model 83 was based on a substantial, 120-inch wheelbase ladder-frame chassis equipped with leaf-sprung suspension and rear wheel brakes. Rated at 42hp, its 318ci (5.2 litre) four-cylinder engine featured magneto ignition and was allied to three-speed manual transmission. Available in seven-seater Gotham Limousine, four-seater Coupe, 2/3-seater Roadster and 4/5-seater Touring guises (the latter two referred to as `Cross County'), every Rambler Model 83 was guaranteed for 10,000 miles in 1913.

Finished in Brewster Green over Black with Black deep button upholstery, this particular example - chassis 32374 - was extensively restored during 2001. Nicely detailed, the Rambler sports handsome nickel brightwork, a single rear-mounted spare wheel, tool box mounted on the right running board, folding windshield, dual rear view mirrors, full set of side curtains stowed under the rear seat, robe rail on the back of the front seat, accessory speedometer and a horn mounted on the steering column. Used exclusively by its previous keeper for `brass era' touring events, the Model 83 had its engine attended to over the winter of 2013/2014. Benefiting from an electric starter and lighting, the Cross Country Touring car is rendered even more usable by the provision of an overdrive which enables it to cruise more easily on modern roads. Worthy of close inspection, this imposing Edwardian has formed part of a private collection for the past three years and is offered for sale with French Certificat d'Immatriculation (Carte Grise). Interested parties might like to know that Peter Anderson of www.importedvehicleregistration.co.uk has quoted £300 (inclusive of all DVLA fees) to UK register the Rambler.