432ci OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Motor
40bhp
3-Speed Sliding Gear Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Leaf Springs with Live Axles Front and Rear
Rear-Wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes

*From the estate of Mr. Robert Randolph
*Impressive 40hp over-head valve motor
*Four speed transmission
*A very useable touring car

THE STODDARD DAYTON

The Stoddard family of Dayton, Ohio were successful entrepreneurs with interests in paint and varnish manufacturing and farm equipment. The patriarch's son, Charles Stoddard, became convinced of the future of the automobile and, being a logical, progressive businessman from a successful family, carefully investigated the then competing technologies, gasoline, steam and electric. After deciding that gasoline had the best chance of success, he contracted with the Rutenber company in Chicago for a supply of engines and began to manufacture the Stoddard Daytona automobile.

After a few years of experience with the Rutenber-built fours, Charles Stoddard designed a T-head four rated at 35 horsepower for the 1907 models. One of the new 35hp Stoddard Daytons finished the Glidden Tour with a perfect score and it was a Stoddard Dayton that not only won the first race held on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1909 but separate car also paced the event.

In 1908 H.J. Edwards, an experienced engineer from England, was hired and given a free hand to design Stoddard Dayton's next engine, a powerplant which has forever secured the company's place in automotive history. Introduced in 1909, the next Stoddard Dayton was a 4.75 x 5 inch 36hp four, a configuration that was in itself not unusual. Its valve layout, however, set it apart. Edwards' design for Stoddard Dayton was a true cross-flow head with inclined overhead valves and hemispherical combustion chambers.

The early Stoddard Dayton layout was efficient in terms of moving parts, but imposed large friction loads on the valve gear which had to constantly work against the pressure of the intake valve opening springs. The rubbing loads on the camshaft and tappet were severe and quickly wore out the valve gear. After a year of experience, Stoddard Dayton redesigned the engine to separate the valve gear, placing a second camshaft on the other side of the engine and duplicating the pushrods and rocker arms for conventional valve operation against springs which held the valves closed.

Stoddard Dayton's experiments with engines were not over, either, although the hemispherical head engines continued to be produced. In 1912 Stoddard Dayton added a huge 70hp Knight sleeve valve six-cylinder to its catalog—but the Stoddards had sold out to Ben Briscoe in 1911 and the company succumbed when U.S. Motors went under in 1913.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The earliest known history of this particular 1911 Stoddard begins in 1963 when it was discovered laid up in Idaho by a Mr. Eugene Le Febre. According to photos within the history file, it appears that the car had been converted into a pickup. At the time the car was found the radiator had been damaged, and it also appear the rear section of the original bodywork was sitting in the pickup bed. Mr. Le Febre decided to restore the car and extensively documented this restoration with photos and letters. It is believed that Mr. Le Febre would retain the car until his passing when it was sold by his wife Arlene Le Febre to Robert Randolph in 1986.

Mr. Robert Randolph retained the car in his collection until his passing. Today, the car presents beautifully in its current color scheme of cream with light beige leather. The car was repainted in 1990 by Tim Stadler and Richard Babb. Overall, the restoration has aged remarkably well, and the years of carful use have resulted in a charming patina.

Under the engine cover, however, is the prime attraction. The hemispherical combustion chamber, inclined valve cross-flow 40hp Stoddard Dayton engine with its abundance of brass and bronze exposed valve gear is a display that will fascinate and captivate anyone who loves intricately timed and coordinated machinery whether its stationary or in motion. It is a masterpiece and an important example of the creativity that the Stoddard nurtured at their automobile company. When shown, it will attract favorable attention from concours organizers, tour participants, and casual spectators. For the new owner it will offer an opportunity to impart a sense of the significant accomplishments of the Stoddard Dayton automobiles on themselves and others.