From the Minden Automotive Museum
1916 Chalmers Model 35A Touring

The National Automobile Museum Auction|13 June 2026, 10:00 PDT|Reno, National Automobile Museum

1916 Chalmers Model 35A Touring
Chassis no. 61143
Engine no. 61143

224ci L-Head Inline Six-Cylinder Engine
Stromberg LB-1 Carburetor
30bhp [25.4 NACC hp]
Three-Speed Manual Transmission
Live Axles with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
Two-Wheel Contracting Band Drum Brakes

* Created by pioneers of U.S. car manufacturing
* Quality L-head 30hp six-cylinder engine
* Preserved for decades
* Complete and ready for recommissioning or restoration

THE CHALMERS

Roy Chapin and Howard Coffin encouraged Hugh Chalmers, then a well-paid vice president of the National Cash Register Company, to invest in their fledgling car company. Chalmers got to put his name on the car, the Chalmers-Detroit, and was seduced by the magic of being a car manufacturer. Chapin and Coffin soon departed to another car company and encouraged Detroit department store magnate J.L. Hudson to put his name on it in exchange for funding the startup.

Now head of his own car company Chalmers, being a cash register man, lured Jesse L. Vincent from Burroughs before Vincent went on to aviation engine recognition and fame at Packard (and became a Colonel.) The first six-cylinder Chalmers came in 1912. Maxwell acquired a financially-stressed Chalmers in 1922 and Walter P. Chrysler was brought in by the bankers to salvage the company.

1916 was Chalmers' peak production year, with about 21,000 units leaving the factory. There were four separate six-cylinder models, ranging from 30 to 54 horsepower. Although committed to sixes, the actual engine configurations varied from side-valve through T-head to overhead valves.

Probably nowhere in American automobile history, not even at Ford or GM, have so many historically important figures (Chapin, Coffin, Chalmers, Chrysler, Vincent) passed through a single marque or contributed to the creation of an automobile of comparable quality and value.

THE CAR OFFERED

This 1916 Chalmers is a L-head six and is described on its ID plate as a Model 35A. The chassis number, 61,143, corresponds to the range cited in Grace Brigham's 1979 reference The Serial Number Book For U.S. Cars 1900-1975 and is distinct from the car described as the 6-40 in the Chalmers Monogram announcing Chalmers 1916 cars.

It was acquired by Ted Bacon for the Minden Automotive Museum at Park-Bernet's November 13, 1967 auction and is to all intents and purposes as it was 59 years ago. It is equipped with a Stewart drum speedometer, later S-W oil pressure and amp gauges, 32x4 Firestone tires, Moto Meter, Delco electric panel, Stromberg carburetor and dual rear-mounted spares.

Finished in blue with black fenders and aprons, it has black leather upholstery and a black cloth top. The paint is old and chipped but the upholstery and top are remarkably sound. It has been displayed for years and is not running but is wonderfully complete and unmolested.

This is an opportunity to own and display a car created by some of the most renowned and serially successful pioneers of the U.S. automobile industry, a car with sound performance and quality, precision, manufacture.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
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Collection Notices
LOT COLLECTION DEADLINE: 12pm PDT on Monday, June 15, 2026
Motor Vehicle:
Uncollected Motor Vehicle Lots following the Collection Deadline will be uplifted and stored by Passport Auto Transport. Uplift and storage shall be at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Motor vehicle removal and storage charges will be charged by Passport Auto Transport according to its standard rates and ultimate destination of the vehicle(s). For applicable charges, please consult with Passport in advance of purchase.
Purchased lots become the buyer's risk once the hammer falls. Storage, collection, and uplift for paid and unpaid lot removal is at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Overseas buyers are strongly advised to make collection arrangements with Bonhams in advance of the auction. Buyers may have an authorised agent collect their purchases according to the collection deadline.
It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their designated agent has the auction venue details, bill of lading showing where the lot will be transported and proof of the buyer authorization for collection of the lot(s). Bonhams will release the lot only once all payment requirements have been met including payment of taxes and any applicable fees. Buyers and/or their agent are responsible for collecting all available parts, logbooks, title, keys and any other accompanying documents.
TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
Representatives of Bonhams|Cars preferred carriers are available on site to provide shipping quotes and transport information.
Domestic Motorcar Transport:
Passport Auto Transport Contact:
Ed Watts, +1 (417) 588 4921 or mobile +1 (314) 496 6228 [email protected]
International Motorcar and Motorcycle Transport:
Schumacher Cargo Logistics Schumacher Secure
Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117
[email protected]
International Motorcar Transport:
CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services)
Contact: Denise Rodriguez, +1 (305) 849 9326
[email protected]
Payment Notices
Payment Deadline: 12pm PDT on Monday, June 15, 2026
Cashiering Hours:
Saturday, June 13, during the auction
Sunday, June 14, 8:30am to 5:30pm
Monday, June 15, 8:30am to 12pm
Shipping Notices
LOT COLLECTION DEADLINE: 12pm PDT on Monday, June 15, 2026
Motor Vehicle:
Uncollected Motor Vehicle Lots following the Collection Deadline will be uplifted and stored by Passport Auto Transport. Uplift and storage shall be at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Motor vehicle removal and storage charges will be charged by Passport Auto Transport according to its standard rates and ultimate destination of the vehicle(s). For applicable charges, please consult with Passport in advance of purchase.
Purchased lots become the buyer's risk once the hammer falls. Storage, collection, and uplift for paid and unpaid lot removal is at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Overseas buyers are strongly advised to make collection arrangements with Bonhams in advance of the auction. Buyers may have an authorised agent collect their purchases according to the collection deadline.
It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their designated agent has the auction venue details, bill of lading showing where the lot will be transported and proof of the buyer authorization for collection of the lot(s). Bonhams will release the lot only once all payment requirements have been met including payment of taxes and any applicable fees. Buyers and/or their agent are responsible for collecting all available parts, logbooks, title, keys and any other accompanying documents.
TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
Representatives of Bonhams|Cars preferred carriers are available on site to provide shipping quotes and transport information.
Domestic Motorcar Transport:
Passport Auto Transport Contact:
Ed Watts, +1 (417) 588 4921 or mobile +1 (314) 496 6228 [email protected]
International Motorcar and Motorcycle Transport:
Schumacher Cargo Logistics Schumacher Secure
Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117
[email protected]
International Motorcar Transport:
CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services)
Contact: Denise Rodriguez, +1 (305) 849 9326
[email protected]

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