1915 Stevens-Duryea D-Six Tourer

460ci 6-Cylinder Side-Valve Engine
Single-Carburetor, Dual-Ignition
46bhp
3-Speed Progressive Transmission
4-Wheel Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring Suspension
2-Wheel Mechanical Brakes

*Believed to be one of three remaining Five Passenger touring cars
*Eligible for both HCCA and CCCA events
*Veteran of numerous tours and events
*A very high quality American car
*Original electric starter/generator (first year)

STEVENS-DURYEA

The Duryea name is as important as any in the history of the American automobile. The first American gasoline automobile rolled out of their small workshop in Springfield Massachusetts. Not just tinkerers, the brothers Duryea formed the Duryea Motor Wagon Company and began production of their ground-breaking automobile soon after. The brothers fell out before the close of the century and went off in their own direction. Frank, arguably the better engineer, wisely teamed with the Stevens Arms Company. The superb capabilities the Steven company possessed allowed Frank's designs to quickly take form.

First generation Stevens-Duryea cars were produced between 1901 and 1906. Built on a 69-inch wheelbase, they were powered by a horizontally opposed two-cylinder engine originally rated at five horsepower. The cars featured an unusual t mechanism that permitted the driver to start the engine while seated instead of by direct cranking. Steering was by tiller. After 1903, a three-speed sliding gear transmission was used and the 1904 model, with its engine now rated at seven horsepower, boasted a new three-point engine mounting.

In 1905, Stevens-Duryea produced its first four-cylinder; and a huge six-cylinder model, priced at $5,000, followed in 1906. That same year, Stevens-Duryea became a separate company from J. Stevens. During the years that followed, Stevens-Duryea cars became increasingly impressive and expensive. Then, in 1915, the Westinghouse Corp. bought the company and used the factory to produce war material. After the Armistice, a group of former executives bought Stevens-Duryea and resumed car production. The new six-cylinder models that they offered were priced as high as $9,500...right up there with Pierce-Arrow's most expensive cars.

In 1913 Stevens-Duryea introduced the C-Six. A modern motorcar that was built on the superb six-cylinder chassis. Extremely well engineered these models were competitive with Packard and Pierce-Arrow 48hp offerings. For the 1915 model year, an electric starter/generator was added and the steering wheel moved to left hand drive. Other changes included new style cowl lights and tail light with all brightwork nickel plated

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Originally purchased new by Charles Chase of San Diego in 1915, this car still retains its original registration tag. It is the 89th car built that year and is believed one of 3 five passenger touring cars that remain extant. The car was found in a Southern California orchard in the late 1940s and was restored by John Ogden. Mr Ogden enjoyed the car for its touring capabilities, and in 1960 he served as the National President of the HCCA. The car had remarkably remained in San Diego, CA for over 100 years. This Stevens-Duryea has not been restored again, and still shows the placards of many Horseless Carriage Club tours that the car has participated in.

In 2016 the car was acquired by the consigner from the grandson of Mr. Ogden after spending nearly 70 years in the family's ownership. The car was not running when purchased and had been sitting for a few years. The problem was found to be a bad coil and when a temporary modern coil was installed, it started right up. An electric fuel pump was added as well to help the original gravity fuel flow. Other than these additions, the engine has good compression and all of its original parts including a rare Stevens-Duryea factory carburetor. The car now starts, runs and drives. It has good road manners, but before safely taking on a tour, it will need further clutch and brake adjustment.

Included with the car is an original Owner's Manual and extra parts including a new oil pan, new spark plug "cups", new wood steering wheel, and a restored original radiator badge. The correct cowl lights were sourced and are included along with a beautifully restored set of headlights in the correct nickel finish. This 106 year old motorcar is perfect for enjoying brass era touring.