1921 Haynes Model 47 Special Speedster

288ci Six cylinder inline engine
Single Barrel Carburetor
70hp
3-Speed Sliding Gear Transmission
Leaf Spring Suspension
Rear Wheel Mechanical Brakes

*Wonderful example of a rare factory speedster
*Charismatic and sporty looks
*Important American make
*high quality restoration

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The Apperson Brothers of Kokomo, Indiana, firmly beloved their gasoline motor car was the first built in America - this claim has long been debated. They did, however, build a very early U.S. "horseless carriage" in 1894, which is now immortalized in the Smithsonian Institution. The first production Haynes-Apperson was produced in 1897, and by 1904 the company was building rather advanced, well-engineered and solidly constructed two-cylinder models. That was the last year before Haynes and the Appersons went their separate ways; both would go on to build their own automobiles, well into the 1920s.

Haynes began offering speedster models as early as 1907 when a Vanderbilt model was pictured in the sales literature. A semi-racer model followed shortly after, and in 1909 the Model 36 series was offered in speedster form called the X-4 Hiker. In the early '20s a dashing line of speedsters were introduced to capture the interest of more sport oriented buyers interested in speed and flashy looks. A direct competitor with the Stutz Bearcat, Marmon speedster and the Mercer raceabout, the Haynes offered maximum refinement and reliability in a more modern package. Priced at $3500 in 1921 nearly the same as the Mercer Raceabout the Haynes was targeting the high end sports car market.

Initially offered in both a six and twelve cylinder versions sporting the striking speedster coachwork combining sport and luxury in a way that differed from the competition, Haynes advertising summed up their target audience,

"The snap, the vim, the "go," ... all the qualities and characteristics demanded and enjoyed by the young folk who set the pace and create the style for today – all these are embodied in the new Haynes Special Speedster."

The 1921 Model 47 Special Speedster supplanted both prior models. It featured a 6-cylinder engine producing 70 horsepower, but it also featured a true folding top and plaited Spanish leather seats. It came with an improved aluminum step plate for cabin access, and six wire wheels were standard. The rear deck sported a luggage carrier and trunk; this was in addition to the rear deck trunk that also featured a side-opening golf club access door. The target market was again stated in the Haynes brochure,

"This Haynes creation is just the type of car for the youth, the sportsman, the clubman, the golfer, the salesman, the athletic type, and the rest who are desirous of riding in a distinctly chic and charming bodyline and one which takes to the road like a thoroughbred."

If anyone suspected the Haynes was all flash, Racing driver Howdy Willcox reported this after testing the nearly identical Haynes 75, "I drove a strictly stock Haynes 75 Speedster over the Indianapolis Motor Speedway course at Indianapolis, Indiana. I attained speeds of seventy four to eighty miles an hour. The speeds were officially clocked by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway electric timing machine. In my opinion the Haynes-built 75 six cylinder engine is a remarkable stock motor. It has the necessary speed stamina and get away to meet the requirements of the most exciting motorist, and the topmost speed is showed a decided lack of motor vibration. It is the sturdiest and fastest stock sport car I have ever driven to date."

This Haynes Special Speedster is a rare survivor of the type and is beautifully turned out in a period correct livery of yellow and black with black wire wheels. A highly authentic restoration shows very nicely and the car starts easily and drives well. The only deviation from stock is a downdraft carburetor and electric fuel pump both of which contribute to its ease of starting and use. The nickel work is extensive and particularly nice. The car was restored to be part of a noted private Haynes Museum.

Rarely seen on the market this Haynes Special Speedster is bound to be a standout wherever it goes and should not disappoint on both presentation and performance.