Footnotes

A short-lived and relatively obscure American make, Northern was founded in Detroit, Michigan in 1902 by two former Olds Motor Works employees: Charles B King and Jonathan D Maxwell. Maxwell designed the Northern's 5hp single-cylinder engine, which powered a car - marketed as the 'Silent Northern' - that perhaps not surprisingly looked a lot like Oldsmobile's Runabout. Northern sold some 300 cars in 1903 and added a twin-cylinder model to the range for 1904, which was followed by a four in 1906. Entrepreneur Benjamin Briscoe had tempted Maxwell away to build his eponymous automobile in 1904, leaving King to shoulder the engineering burden on his own.

Northern was noted for its technological innovations, early cars being built with left-hand steering and shaft drive. Air operated brakes and clutch featured on the 1906 four, while in 1908 all controls were mounted on the twin-cylinder Model C limousine's steering column. Changing its name to Northern Motor Car Company in 1906, the firm opened a second factory in Huron to build the twin-cylinder models. The single-cylinder model continued to feature in the range alongside twins of progressively increasing power output and various fours until 1908. In 1908 Northern merged with the Wayne Automobile Company and shortly thereafter both companies' assets were acquired by newly formed E-M-F, thus bringing the Northern brand to an end.

In 1907 when this twin-cylinder Northern was built, there were four models in the 20hp Model C twins' line-up built on three different wheelbase lengths with prices ranging from $1,600 (two-seat runabout) to $3,000 (limousine). Formerly part of the Nethercutt Collection in Los Angeles, USA, the car was purchased for the vendors' prominent private collection in 1991 and is offered in running order.

Please note that if this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. It will also require a NOVA (Notification of Vehicle Arrival) and an additional fee of £350 (plus VAT) will be charged on the Invoice to prepare the NOVA. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.

This Lot is available to view at Classic Car Storage near Petersfield, Hampshire (by appointment with the Car Department only) from Monday 24th October to Wednesday 2nd November. It will then be available to view at Bonhams, 101 New Bond Street on Friday 4th November from 10am.