Allan Greenfield
Specialist
LOT 115
1910 Stevens Duryea Model XXX Runabout Chassis no. 18048
Estimate: US$130,000 - US$160,000
Lot 115
One of only 3 known survivors
1910 Stevens Duryea Model XXX Runabout
1910 Stevens Duryea Model XXX Runabout
The Audrain Auction|3 October 2025, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1910 Stevens Duryea Model XXX Runabout
Chassis no. 18048
Chassis no. 18048
318 CID L-Head Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
24 HP
3-Speed Manual Gearbox
2-Wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes with Transmission Brake
Front Solid Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
Rear Live Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
*Rare Runabout Roadster
*One of Only Three Known Extant
*Formerly in The William G. Lassiter Jr. Collection
*Part of The William Alley Collection for More than 25 Years
*Popular Concours Show Exhibit in the Northeast
*HCCA Tour Eligible
1910 Stevens Duryea Model XXX Runabout
The Duryea name is as important as any in the history of the American automobile. Not just tinkerers, the brothers Duryea formed the Duryea Motor Wagon Company in Springfield Massachusetts and began production of their ground-breaking automobile soon after. The brothers fell out before the close of the century, with Frank, arguably the superior engineer, wisely teaming with the Stevens Arms Company. The superb capabilities of the Stevens company 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 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 in the years that followed, Stevens-Duryea cars became increasingly impressive and expensive. For 1909, the firm introduced the Model X, a high-speed luxury-tourer with excellent performance and reliability. Alongside, the tourer, the company introduced a sporting version, the Model XXX on a shortened chassis in roadster trim. Its long front fenders, short running boards, mother-in-law seat and special "flyaway" rear fenders added to the car's performance demeanor. Very few XXX roadsters were produced and only 3 correct examples are known to survive today.
THE CAR OFFERED
Offered here is one of the 3 surviving XXX roadsters. Records show that it was previously owned by Connecticut collector David Reed and then on to hold pride of place at the William Lassiter collection. When acquired by David Reed in the 1980s, the chassis was found to be a very original and correct XXX short wheelbase chassis and in well preserved condition with most of its original body panels. Mr. Reed owned one of the other XXX Stevens cars for reference, so had this car restored by a marque expert to exacting standards. Today the car presents beautifully in its red livery, with a freshly rebuilt engine with a modern electric starter fitted for easy starting. It is reported to run and drive beautifully. Over $20,000 has been recently spent detailing the car, prepping it for the highest-level show events or to be reliably toured. The car is accompanied by a large file of restoration receipts, photos, and other documentation.
Additional information
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