Beschreibung:

5,507cc Side Valve Engine Approximately 35bhp Single Carter Carburetor 3-Speed Transmission 2-Wheel Mechanical Brakes *Rare Model U Touring Car *From the estate of Mr. Robert Randolph *Great car for HCCA events *Fitted electric starter STEVENS-DURYEA The Duryea name is as important as any in the history of the American automobile. The first American gasoline automobile rolled out of their small workshop in Springfield Massachusetts. Not just tinkerers, the brothers Duryea formed the Duryea Motor Wagon Company and began production of their ground-breaking automobile soon after. The brothers fell out before the close of the century and went off in their own direction. Frank, arguably the superior engineer, wisely teamed with the Stevens Arms Company. The superb capabilities the Steven company possessed allowed Frank's designs to quickly take form. First generation Stevens-Duryea cars were produced between 1901 and 1906. Built on a 69-inch wheelbase, they were powered by a horizontally opposed two-cylinder engine originally rated at five horsepower. The cars featured an unusual mechanism that permitted the driver to start the engine while seated instead of by direct cranking. Steering was by tiller. After 1903, a three-speed sliding gear transmission was used and the 1904 model, with its engine now rated at seven horsepower, boasted a new three-point engine mounting. In 1905, Stevens-Duryea produced its first four-cylinder; and a huge six-cylinder model, priced at $5,000, followed in 1906. That same year, Stevens-Duryea became a separate company from J. Stevens In 1907 to bridge the gap between the 20hp Model R Touring and massive 50hp model S, Stevens-Duryea brought out the 35 hp 6-cylinder Model U. During the years that followed, Stevens-Duryea cars became increasingly impressive and expensive. Then, in 1915, the Westinghouse Corp. bought the company and used the factory to produce war material. After the Armistice, a group of former executives bought Stevens-Duryea and resumed car production. The new six-cylinder models that they offered were priced as high as $9,500...right up there with Pierce-Arrow's most expensive cars. The company would be sold again at least twice before the final Stevens-Duryea was built in 1927. THE MOTORCAR OFFERED The early history of this particular Stevens-Duryea remains unknown, but in 1954 the vehicle was sold at a Henry Austin Clark Auction. At this time, it was purchased by a Pennsylvania based collector Mr. James Staatz who intended to conduct a full restoration on the car. Unfortunately, he only got around to putting it back together. It would remain in Mr. Staatz's ownership for the next 40 years and in the late 1980s, Mr. Robert Randolph heard about the car and began to pursue it. It would take him 8 years, but eventually he was able to convince Mr. Staatz to part with the project. The car was then shipped back to Colorado. The car took a number of years to put back together. This included having to search for a few missing components, but it was finally back on the road in 2001. This whole process is extensively documented in the car's history file. During this process an electrical starter was also fitted for ease of use. The car would remain in Mr. Randolph's ownership until his passing. According to letters from Mr Randolph, the car was greatly enjoyed on the back roads surrounding Denver. Today, the car presents beautifully and is a large and imposing early brass era car. It is said that less than 10 Model U exist today. Currently, the car presents beautifully finished in dark maroon with black leather. The brass is in very good order and an overall very well-presented example- a testament to Mr. Randolph's careful stewardship and restoration. Not many Stevens-Duryea Model U have survived, making this a rare and charismatic early brass car. Made by one of the great American manufactures of automobiles, this is a great car for HCCA events or other brass tours, and a welcome entrant on