Equipment
RHD. Single Badger Brassware Solar acetylene headlight, Dietz kerosene sidelights, wicker pannier baskets, bulb horn. Spectacular concours restoration with excellent paint and upholstery and brilliant brass everywhere. Fresh, sharp and gorgeous. History known essentially since new, bought by Harrahs in 1953 and first restored there, then sold in 1986 to General Lyon. Sold to the Imperial Palace in 1991, then to Drew Lewis in 1998 for whom it was restored by Steve Babinsky, winning its class at Pebble Beach in 2002 followed by a string of awards through 2007. Matching engine and chassis numbers. Unquestioned history and provence, one of the milestones in automobile history. Estate of John OQuinn.
Market commentary
This is an automobile that is breathtaking in its history and provence. One of three known survivors of its type, it epitomizes the quality and style of early American automobiles. The restoration may be old, but it is in no way aged. The price is a tribute to the discernment of the bidders at RMs Hershey auction and soundly refutes the oft stated view that the buyers of really old cars are disappearing. In fact new generations of collectors are discovering the appeal of these old crocks.