3rd Oct, 2005 0:00

Syon House

 
  Lot 21
 

1912 Empire Runabout Roadster


Lot details
Registration No: UN-REG
Chassis No: 532
Mot Expiry: None

In 1909, Indianapolis-based businessmen Arthur Newby (National Car Co.), Carl Fisher (Prest-o-Lite) and James Allison (Allison Aircraft) embarked on two major projects. The first was construction of the now famous Speedway in which they were joined by Frank Wheeler (Wheeler-Schebler Carburettors), while the second was the founding of the Empire Motor Company for which they recruited engineer Robert Hassler. This explains (a) why an Empire was the first car to lap the newly bricked Oval that winter and (b) how come the fledgling manufacturer was often starved of investment / attention thereafter. A rakish 20hp two-seater, the marque's first model was soon nicknamed 'The Little Aristocrat'. Competitively priced and developed with input from Harry C Stutz (later of Bear Cat fame), it nevertheless faded from production in 1912. Sub-contracted out to the Greenville Metal Products Company, its successors included a variety of models powered by four-cylinder Teetor and six-cylinder Continental engines before they too disappeared in 1919.
Finished in maroon over black with black deep-button upholstery, this particular Empire Runabout has been part of the collection since 1994. Powered by a pair-cast four-cylinder unit complete with magneto ignition, single carburettor and cooling fan, it features a single centrally mounted rear 'mother-in-law' seat. Riding on wooden artillery wheels, its leaf-sprung ladder frame chassis boasts rear wheel brakes only. Restored by Felix T. Graves of Broken Arrow Oklahoma in 1957, it remained in his ownership until 1993. A neat row of bulkhead-mounted brass plaques testify to its usage on the First Annual Mid West Tour in Oklahoma (1957), the Henryetta Parade (1957), the Santa Fe Trail (1959) and the Topeka Tour (1960).

PLEASE NOTE: WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED BY MR VAN DIJK THAT HE DROVE THE EMPIRE IN AMERICA BEFORE IMPORTING IT INTO HOLLAND DURING OCTOBER 1994. THE CAR WAS LAST RUN CIRCA SIX YEARS AGO AND WILL THEREFORE REQUIRE RECOMMISSIONING PRIOR TO USE.
 

All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.

You can collect your new pride and joy from our venue until 1pm the day following the sale or our partners are on hand to help arrange safe transportation:

               

Auction: Syon House, 3rd Oct, 2005

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