Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 16 ¤
1909 Black Model 112 Motor Buggy Chassis no. B5462
Sold for US$39,200 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 16¤
1909 Black Model 112 Motor Buggy
1909 Black Model 112 Motor Buggy
Chassis no. B5462
Chassis no. B5462
100.2 ci Horizontally Opposed Air Cooled Two-Cylinder
Single Carburetor
14bhp
Two-Speed Planetary Transmission
Live Axles with Transverse Elliptical Leaf Springs, Perch Rod Location
Two-Wheel Mechanical Brakes
* Unusual for 1908, oversquare two-cylinder opposed engine
* Thoroughly restored
* Well-preserved and maintained for nearly a half century
* Steering wheel ergonomics more familiar to modern drivers
THE CAR OFFERED
The transition from horse and wagon to motorized transportation was not consistent, and even as Henry Ford introduced his milestone Model T in 1908, others were building motorized buggies and wagons with tall traditional hard rubber tire wheels. The buggy/wagon concept was familiar to most rural Americans, and most Americans in 1908 were still rural. Engines were 1- and 2-cylinder air-cooled and simple. Transmissions favored 2-speed planetary gearboxes with foot shift. Throttle control was by a handle on the steering column or tiller. Brakes were hand-operated on only two wheels. The chassis typically used transverse elliptical leaf springs, and the axle locations were limited by "perch rods," maintaining a fixed distance between the axles.
W.H. Black was one of these enterprising wagon builders. Based in Chicago, he entered the market in 1908 but showed an awareness of the automobile's progress by having wheel steering from the beginning while many contemporary builders of "High Wheelers" still relied on tiller steering. Rudimentary barely begins to describe Black's high wheelers but they were effective, familiar and adaptable.
The Black Model 112 (112 differed from the Model 12 only by virtue of having a top as standard) was powered by a 14 horsepower 100.2 cubic inch air-cooled opposed twin cylinder engine. The engine dimensions, 4 ¼ inch bore over 3 ¾ inch, was oversquare promoting higher engine speeds. The transmission was the usual 2-speed planetary gearbox with a jackshaft driving double chains to the rear wheels. Unlike many high wheelers, the Black Motor Buggy had minimal facilities for carrying loads, it was clearly intended for passenger transportation, not hauling crops or supplies.
This particular example is equipped with kerosene lights and taillight, bulb horn, solid rubber 38-inch tires on wood spoke wheels, and a chromed steering column. A patent leather dashboard in front of the seats reinforces the relationship to horse drawn buggies; on an automobile there was no need of a dashboard to deflect the mud and dirt thrown up by a horse drawing a conventional buggy.
This Black Model 112 joined the Harrah's Automobile Collection in 1968 in a condition that was described as "acceptable for display." It is finished in black with a carmine, red chassis and running gear. The upholstery is black leather, and the top is black leatherette. The restoration, even half a century or so after it was completed, is still excellent. The engine and running gear have been consistently maintained.
All high wheelers are intriguing but this Black Model 112 with its wheel steering and impressive old Harrah's restoration is better than most. Said by the Black Mfg. Co. to have been capable of 25mph it is a quality example of the motor vehicles that bridged the gap between horses and the automobile age.
Footnotes
This vehicle is titled with model year 1908.
Additional information
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