1905 Rambler Type One Surrey

Description

Like many early automobile manufacturers, Thomas B. Jefferey and his Rambler got started in the Bicycle business. The Jeffery Rambler was the second-best-selling bicycle in the 1890's, but by the turn of the 19th century, the automobile became more prominent. Jeffery sold the bicycle business and went decisively into automobile manufacturing with a new plant in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

In 1897, Jeffrey built a single-cylinder car, then followed that with two additional cars, which were exhibited at auto shows in Chicago and New York. The new cars had front-mounted two-cylinder engines and, in keeping with convention at the time, were right-hand drive. They were received well by show-goers and the press, who generally referred to them in period publications as “Ramblers,” the brand with which Jeffery was well known. The company was sold to Charles Nash in 1916 and would eventually become part of American Motors.

This 1905 Rambler Type One Surrey was first delivered to Homan & Schulz Co. of New York City, and remained with the initial owner’s family in Connecticut for over eight decades before being sold to vintage car collector Louis Biondi, who reportedly kept it in his collection for approximately 27 years. In 2019, the car was relocated to California, where it was acquired by the seller in 2021.

Designed as a five-passenger touring car with a 90-inch wheelbase, the car wears an olive green and black finish with polished brass accents, and it features a folding windshield and removable surrey top. It is propelled by a water-cooled two-cylinder, 18-horsepower engine linked to a sliding-gear manual transmission and a chain-driven differential.

This 1905 Rambler Type One Surrey is now offered by the seller with historical documentation and a clean California title.

Highlights

• Ownership history from new

• Previously part of the Louis Biondi collection

• 235ci water-cooled two-cylinder engine

• Sliding-gear manual transmission with chain drive

• Folding windshield and surrey top

• Veeder-Root hubodometer

• Right-hand-drive

• Steering wheel with tilting pillar

• Leather upholstery

• Oak battery and coil boxes

Factory Equipment

• Self-circulating cooling system

• Solid front axle and live rear axle, both with semi‑elliptic leaf springs

• Wooden body on a pressed steel frame

• Wood‑spoke artillery wheels

• Brass fittings, lamps, and plumbing

• Phare Solar Model 38G acetylene headlamps

• Kerosene cowl lights and tailamps

Servicing & Documentation

• Ownership affidavit and initial delivery log entry

• Brass carburetor air valve replaced in 2022

• Cone clutch leather reportedly relined by Bob Knaak of Orange, California, in 2022

Known Imperfections

• Cosmetic imperfections, including paint chips and scratches, worn upholstery, and weathered wood.

Additional Information

• The seller states, "Vehicle has been conserved rather than restored."

• As shown in the gallery, the serial number "5420" is stamped on the engine case and the camshaft.

• The car does not have an odometer.

• Digital historical information provided by the seller to the Hagerty Marketplace research department, but not included with the sale, can be viewed under "Additional documents."

• A portion of the photos in the gallery predate the seller's ownership.