Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 98
1910 Glide Model 45 Scout Chassis no. 1040
Sold for US$95,200 inc. premium
Lot 98
1910 Glide Model 45 Scout
1910 Glide Model 45 Scout
Chassis no. 1040
Chassis no. 1040
354.4ci L-Head 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Updraft Carburetor
45bhp
3-Speed Selective-Shift Manual Transaxle
Semi-Elliptical Front and Rear Leaf Springs
Rear-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Superbly styled early sporting car
*One of very few cars ever to be built with 41 inch tires
*Formerly owned by Homer Fitterling and the Imperial Palace
*Powerful Rutenber 45hp engine
THE CAR OFFERED
In the early years of auto making, manufacturers of virtually every imaginable item tried their hand at building a car. That Peoria, Illinois, businessman J.A. Bartholomew's previous experience was in peanut and coffee roadsters did not stop him from launching the Glide in 1904. More remarkably, the high-quality machine was produced for a remarkable 16 years, during which time between 200 and 500 were manufactured annually, under the memorable and catchy tagline, "Ride in a Glide, then decide." Historian Beverly Rae Kimes also wryly noted another slogan, "A Hill-Climber Built in the Hills" – perhaps not apt for a car made in Peoria.
The Scout 45 Model introduced in 1910 was a rakish model that stood out form the crowd. Powered by the excellent Reutenber 45hp engine driving through a three-speed transaxle, the car rides on 32" rims wearing 41x4½in tires—one of few cars of the era to be fitted with this wheel size, most famously seen on the Oldsmobile Limited and some American Underslung models. Mounted on the chassis was a sharp little toy tonneau body, making for a car that looks very sporty and very expensive. No doubt a dramatic looking machine that with a bit of freshening could grace and Concours field.
One of very few surviving Glides, the Tupelo Automobile Museum acquired this example from the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas. The Museum would display the Glide till Bonhams dispersal sale in 2019 when it was acquired by its current owner. Former owners were recorded as the noted Duesenberg collector Homer Fitterling of South Bend, Indiana, and Donald L. Ephlin, with whom the car was recorded in the Antique Automobile Club of America's 1954 and 1961 rosters. In its current ownership the car has been well looked after and been displayed in his private museum collection.
The Glide has long been labeled, by all of its prior owners, as a 1908 Model R, and its serial number plate is from that model. Information on the file from Glide historian Jim Brodes indicates, however, that by virtue of its 122in wheelbase chassis and large 32in wheels it is more likely a 1910 or 1911 Model 45 Scout; the Model R serial number plate was likely fitted by an early enthusiast owner in an attempt to "backdate" the car. Additional information in the file goes into further details on the car's equipment and mechanical specifications.
Close examination shows a very complete and proper car. The Rutenber engine has its original ignition timer for the battery ignition, the original wooden coil box box, as well as the proper magneto. The car looks as though it is an older restoration of what was a good sound complete car.
Opportunities to acquire a Glide are few and far between, and this one is one of only two or three to have been made publicly available in recent years; furthermore, it bears a rich history extending back to the early years of "the hobby." The new buyer will have a drastically styled early sporting car with a look that will always command attention.
Additional information
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