Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 268
c.1906 Studebaker Model G Touring Chassis no. 944 Engine no. 181
Sold for US$44,800 inc. premium
Lot 268
Property from the Collection of Don C. Boulton
c.1906 Studebaker Model G Touring
c.1906 Studebaker Model G Touring
Chassis no. 944
Engine no. 181
Chassis no. 944
Engine no. 181
280.6ci T-head Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
30/35hp
3-Speed Selective-Shift Manual Transmission
Semi-Elliptical Front and Rear Leaf Springs
Rear-Wheel Drum Brakes
*An extremely rare early gasoline-powered Studebaker
*Advanced engineering, including T-head power and dual exhaust
*The final restoration project of a legendary enthusiast
*Mechanically complete, needing only paint and upholstery
EARLY STUDEBAKERS
Very few Studebakers produced prior to World War I remain extant, as the company only entered automobile production in 1897, and in the early years relied upon Ohio manufacturer Garford for their chassis and engines.
Perhaps the ultimate Brass Era Studebaker was the Model G of 1906, priced at the top end of the market with styling and power to match. It boasted an unusually advanced four-cylinder engine, of T-head design with dual cams and an exhaust system composed of four separate headers, with dual exhaust pipes, one exiting from each end of the muffler. In a way this may have been the first production automobile with dual exhaust – or, at the very least, a contender for the honor! The transmission, supplied from Garford, was a three-speed unit, while geared steering resulted in surprisingly nimble handling.
This grand Roi des Belges tourer could motor with four passengers at 45 mph, making it a worthy competitor to the Packards of the time.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
One of but a very small number of extant Model Gs, this car was owned by James Zordich, the former curator of the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History's automobile collection. The car did not have a body or engine, and an appropriate body was reproduced by a local Southern California cabinetmaker, with an original serial number plate. It was eventually passed to Don Sable, a board member of the Horseless Carriage Club of America, who discovered a correct engine in Texas. Mr. Boulton fell in love with the now-complete project, and acquired it from Mr. Sable and continued the restoration, with numerous components precisely recreated by his trusted friend, Ted Davis, and the brass lamps restored by Rick Britten.
This was the final restoration project begun by Mr. Boulton, and was largely complete at the time of his passing. It awaits a new owner to complete it, though much of the necessary work has been undertaken and all to Mr. Boulton's typically excellent standards. The mechanical restoration has been largely completed, with magneto ignition installed, and the body is finished in primer, but requires paint and upholstery; it has been recently reunited with the chassis.
A wonderful and largely completed project, this car will surely be a showstopper for its next caretaker.
Saleroom notices
Please note, the title will be in transit.
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