Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 267
1907 Columbus 10HP Two-Cylinder Autobuggy Engine no. 142
Sold for US$62,720 inc. premium
Lot 267
Property from the Collection of Don C. Boulton
1907 Columbus 10HP Two-Cylinder Autobuggy
1907 Columbus 10HP Two-Cylinder Autobuggy
Engine no. 142
Engine no. 142
100.5ci Air-Cooled Twin-Cylinder Engine
10bhp
2-Speed Planetary Transmission with Double Chain Drive
Full-Elliptic Front and Rear Leaf Springs
Rear-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Offered from the Don C. Boulton Collection
*Engineered by famous World War I ace Captain Eddie Rickenbacker
*An Oklahoma City resident for many decades
*Owned in the Horseless Carriage Club of America since the 1950s
*Charming and well-presented restoration in impressive colors
CAPTAIN EDDIE'S AUTOBUGGY
In his long life, Captain Eddie Rickenbacker never enjoyed a dull moment. He was a largely self-taught engineer, a racing driver in the early days of the automobile, America's most successful fighting ace of World War I, owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and a pioneer of modern aviation as leader of Eastern Air Lines. He survived multiple plane crashes, one of which left him adrift in the Pacific for 24 days during World War II. In-between all of this he managed, in the early days of his career, to work as an engineer and salesman for the Columbus Buggy Company of Ohio, where he was involved in the design of this vehicle – the Columbus Autobuggy.
The 10hp Autobuggy was no speedway demon. It was a high-wheeler, of the type common to the Midwest at the time, with tall, spindly wheels; an air-cooled twin-cylinder engine; and chain drive. Not notably sophisticated, it was charming, hard-wearing and simple to work upon making it ideal for the deeply rutted farm roads of its area. It was made for two years before being succeeded by a modern, more powerful and luxurious Firestone-Columbus.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
The Columbus Autobuggy in the Boulton collection, one of very few extant, was acquired from "Shady" Staton, also of Oklahoma City, who had been a member of the Horseless Carriage Club of America since at least the 1950s and had this car for most of that time; it was an award-winner in HCCA showing in 1955, and still has the award and ribbon!
By the time that Mr. Boulton acquired the car, it was quite tired, and was subsequently fully restored to its present appearance, in a charming period-correct green with matching suspension, pale green moldings and wheels, black leather upholstery, and patent leather fenders. The wooden body was recreated during the restoration to original designs, with some correspondence and invoices included in the accompanying reference file (along with a copy of a letter from Rickenbacker). E&J headlamps are fitted, along with proper badging and tags throughout.
This is a fun, jaunty machine, indicative of an age in early automaking that was already long gone by 1907, but is fondly remembered by many – and it boasts Eddie Rickenbacker heritage!
Saleroom notices
Please note, this vehicle is titled under the model year 1905 as chassis no. 142COLUMBUS
Additional information
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistSpecialist section
Auction Viewings
- 6 March 2019, 09:00 - 19:00 EST
- 7 March 2019, 09:00 - 11:00 EST
Bid now on these items
United Kingdom
1899 Phébus 2¼hp Motor Tricycle
£50,000 - £60,000
United KingdomOffered without reserve
1910 Brasier 12/18HP 12C Tourer
£40,000 - £60,000
United Kingdom
1913 Hotchkiss Model AD 20/30 Tourer
£50,000 - £60,000
United Kingdom
1902 Beaufort 8hp Two-Seater Phaeton
£50,000 - £70,000
United KingdomOffered without reserve
c.1901 Gladiator Four-Seat Rear-Entrance Tonneau
£50,000 - £70,000