1908 Columbus 10HP Two-Cylinder Autobuggy

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

*Engineered by famous World War I ace Captain Eddie Rickenbacker
*Fully restored
*Complete with folding top

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 shown here is one of very few extant. Unfortunately, little documentation exists to help tell the story of this antique motor, but a stub in the file shows that the vehicle was acquired by Mr. Spain most likely during his peak collecting years in the 1990s. Based on the appearance of this Columbus, one can assume that it was subjected to a restoration at some point in the not to distant past. All aspects from the paint, to the body work, and leather seats all show in tidy condition. Correspondence between another Autobuggy owner, also within the file, show discussion of getting the vehicle operation, but no follow up indicates if this was achieved. Regardless, the simplicity of these automobiles should prove to be fruitful after some tinkering.

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!