1910 Paterson Model 30 Touring

201.1ci L-Head 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Updraft Carburetor
30bhp
3-Speed Selective-Shift Manual Transmission
Semi-Elliptical Front and Full Elliptical Rear Leaf Springs
Rear-Wheel Drum Brakes

*A rare Flint, Michigan-built Brass Era automobile
*Formerly owned by Benjamin Sharpsteen and Harrah's Automobile Collection
*Acquired directly from Harrah's in 1986
*Charming older restoration

THE PATERSON AUTOMOBILE

When most car enthusiasts focus attention on Flint, Michigan, they think of Buick, but the company was also home to the Paterson automobile, manufactured between 1909 and 1923. It was a conservatively engineered and designed, well-built car that enjoyed strong owner loyalty among Midwest and Western buyers, as well as brief nationwide popularity; at one point in its illustrious history, there was a Paterson dealer in all 48 U.S. states.

Following founder W.A. Paterson's passing in 1921, production of his namesake was wound down under the ownership of a Flint Dodge dealer, Dallas Winslow, later to become famous for giving the Auburn and Cord a "second life" as operator of the ACD Company in Auburn, Indiana.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The Antique Automobile Club of America's rosters back to 1954 list this particular Paterson Model 30 as owned by one B.L. Sharpsteen. Benjamin L. Sharpsteen was a film director and producer for Walt Disney, best-remembered as the director of the 1941 animated classic Dumbo. In his spare time, he created a museum, the namesake Sharpsteen Museum in Calistoga, California, celebrating the history of the Upper Napa Valley and his beloved Sonoma County. Today the Sharpsteen Museum remains and a popular tourist attraction.

The Sharpsteen Paterson was eventually acquired by Harrah's Automobile Collection, and was acquired for the Tupelo Automobile Museum from the Harrah's dispersal auction of 1986. It has been part of the collection now for well over three decades, and it continues to wear the handsome older restoration in which it was shown at Harrah's, with solid bodywork in an attractive rich dark green with beautiful brass accessories, cream artillery wheels, and black leather upholstery that demonstrates some cracking and aging. The history file includes the original Harrah's display sign. Overall the car has a distinctive appearance and would benefit from mechanical sorting, after which it would be a delightful tour car for a new owner – with a wonderful California history, to boot.