Bonhams, Two Generations, Middletown, RI, April 29, 2023

This was a pop-up sale to dispose of much (but not all) of the collection of a father’s and son’s decades long fascination with antique and veteran cars. The “newest” car in the sale was a 1947 Ford Super Deluxe Sportsman Convertible, the only lot built after the Second World War. That tells a story in and of itself.

The sale was held in the Audrain Museum’s storage, maintenance and restoration facility in Middletown, Rhode Island, half a mile north of the Newport city line. Streets here are named after U.S. Navy Admirals. It is a Navy town, like Monterey, California although Monterey doesn’t have “cottages” to compare with the Gilded Age elegance of Newport.

Bonhams sold hours of automobilia, art and pedal cars starting at 0900 (it is a Navy town, after all) and didn’t get to the 35 automobile lots until 1600 in the afternoon. As 1600 approached the room filled with the usual suspects who appreciate really old iron.

Both Wayne Carini and Charles LeMaitre observed during the preview, “This is going to be an historic sale, like A.K. Miller or Bill Lassiter” and so it turned out.

Bonhams carefully obscured the names of the “two generations” but a quick online search using the rare Palmer-Singer as the first bread crumb identified New Jersey collectors Herbert J. Singe and his son, Herb R. Singe. There was over a half-century of collecting, restoring and – most importantly – driving, touring and displaying these cars

This collection disposition auction is important for two reasons:

  • It shows, without the slightest shadow of a doubt, that really old, imaginative, ingenious, foundational automobiles from the car’s earliest days are still fascinating; and
  • There are collectors who have the means, the passion and the understanding to pay magnanimous prices for cars of irreproachable history, quality and ingenuity.

I didn’t see Audrain CEO Donald Osborne bidding, but, really, could Donald and Audrain have resisted adding one or two of these fabulous finds to the Audrain collection?

Finally, there were three lots offered with reserves (the unrestored 1906 Thomas Flyer Tourer, the 1911 Palmer-Singer 7-passenger Tourer and the 1906 Pope-Toledo Model XII Roi des Belges.) All of them sold at hammer bids near or, in the case of the Thomas, far above their pre-sale high estimates.

It was an historic day for really old cars, frequently written off as appreciated only by nearly dead guys. That isn’t happening.

It was a marvelous two days in Middletown, RI.

Here are the numbers:

Cars Sold/ Offered Sale % Sold < Low Est Sold > High Est Average Sale Median Sale Total $
35/35 100% 28.6% 42.9% $107,371 $42,560

[39.6%]

$3,758,000

Being only an hour and a quarter drive from home these cars were viewed onsite by Rick Carey. They are sorted by lot number and all 35 lots offered are reported here, three lots with photos courtesy of Bonhams that I missed..


Lot # 501 1940 American Bantam Model 64 Super Roadster; S/N 64259; Engine # 64190; Silver, Red sweep panel/Silver vinyl; Black cloth top; Estimate $15,000 – $25,000; Older restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $20,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $22,400. – 747/15hp, 3-speed, wind wings, spotlight, fender skirts, rear-mounted spare, red wheels, trim rings, whitewall tires. – Decent older paint and interior. Fair chrome. Clean older restored chassis. An attractive little driver and it is fortunate in being so cute that it doesn’t need to be pristine to be a hit. – First car in the sale after six hours of automobilia when the room was a little sparsely occupied but filled up in anticipation of the cars. It was the second youngest vehicle in the sale! The mid-estimate result proved to be a forecast of the sale’s results, a good result for the new owner.

Lot # 502 1907 Ford Model R Runabout; S/N 195; Black/Black leather; Black vinyl top; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Cosmetic restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $51,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $57,120. – RHD. 149/18hp 4-cylinder, 2-speed, Gray and Davis acetylene headlights, kerosene sidelights, Stewart speedometer, bulb horn, Phinney Walker clock, rollup windshield. – No engine number. Dull brass, old repaint, torn original upholstery. Needs comprehensive attention but sound and sensible. – This early Ford is in many respects typical of the cars in this collection: aged, used, somewhat neglected and given a lick and a promise of mediocre paint. That didn’t deter the informed bidders who appreciated its rarity and how much value it could bring to any Ford collection. This is a whopping price for the car’s condition, the first of several from this collection.

Lot # 503 1907 Buick Model F Touring; S/N 9507; Engine # 12498; Blue, Black fenders/Black leather; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Visually maintained, largely original 4+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $22,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $24,640. – RHD. 159/22hp opposed twin, 2-speed, Gray and Davis acetylene headlights, kerosene sidelights, taillight and acetylene generator, wood framed folding windshield, Nonpareil bulb horn, white tires. – Indifferent old repaint, chipped and scratched. Filthy old chassis. Sound old upholstery. No top. Dull brass. Mixed attributes with a 1907-style front end and a 1908-series engine number. Mostly complete but needs everything. – Disappointing condition and questions about its configuration left the bidders cool to this Buick, wisely and prudently.

Lot # 504 1911 Ford Model T Torpedo; S/N Engine no. 44637; Engine # 44637; Dark Blue/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Older restoration 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $49,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $54,880. – 177/22hp four, 2-speed planetary transmission, E&J Ford script acetylene headlights, kerosene sidelights and Brown taillight, Stewart speedometer, Stewart & Clark clock, cylinder bolster fuel tank, dogleg windshield. – Restored in the Fifties and reasonably well-preserved. AACA National First Prize winner from back when they didn’t put dates on the plaques. – Apparently built as a Torpedo by Ford, a rare performance Model T from Ford’s early years. It is equipped with an appropriate array of equipment befitting its sports configuration and the bidders loved it.

 

The mini version with Briggs & Stratton power Lot #226 sold for $5,100

Lot # 505 1904 Oldsmobile Model 6C Curved Dash Runabout; S/N Engine no. 20559; Engine # 20559; Black, Red accents/Black leather; Estimate $45,000 – $50,000; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $57,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $63,840. – RHD. 118/7hp single, 2-speed planetary gearbox, tiller steering, Meteor acetylene headlight, Dietz kerosene, Gray and Davis kerosene taillight, digital odometer on the right front tire, 24 old event plaques dating back to the 1951 Glidden Tour, tiller-mounted Hamilton pocket watch. – Good older paint and upholstery. Cracked down both side panels. Decent brass. In this collection since the 1950’s. Usable and presentable as is but not VCC dated (yet) for London to Brighton. – Curved Dash Oldsmobiles are famed for their reliability and performance, attributes that commend them to collectors like the builders of this collection who believe in using their cars, not treating them as precious objects. The age of this CDO’s restoration is almost irrelevant considering its long history of events and tours.

Lot # 506 1907 REO 16/20hp Touring; S/N 8745; Burgundy, Black fenders/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Older restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $34,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $38,080. – RHD. 213/16hp twin, 2-speed planetary gearbox, damaged Stewart speedometer, New Haven clock, Atwood acetylene headlights, Atwood kerosene sidelights, electric taillights, Atwood acetylene generator, Nonpareil bulb horn, electric starter added. – Good older paint with edge chips and cracks from use. Dusty, dirty road used chassis. Cracking wood fenders. Fiberglass body repairs under the right front seat. Sound old upholstery. This is a usable but not satisfying car. – Typical of many (most) of the cars in this collection, the paint was sound but the chassis was neglected and used. It’s a decent car for touring, with room for a family and it brought a realistic price in this transaction at least in the context of this collection sale patronized by dozens of like-minded collectors.

Lot # 507 1904 Cadillac Model B Rear Entrance Tonneau; S/N Engine no. 2928; Engine # 2928; Red/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $80,000 – $100,000; Older restoration 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $70,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $78,400. – RHD. 98/8hp single, 2-speed planetary transmission, Solar acetylene headlight, Neverout kerosene sidelights, Solar kerosene taillight, wicker pannier and umbrella basket, surrey roof. – Good older paint and upholstery. Chassis was done like new but now shows use. Some edge chips from use. Bright brass. Needs little attention to be shown. Not VCC dated for Brighton Run eligibility but appropriately numbered and configured. – This is a surprising result for one of the better cars in this collection with a sound older restoration to touring standards and good maintenance. A wonderful example of Henry Leland’s concept for Cadillac’s “Standard of the World” and a milestone in automobile history that would not have surprised anyone if it had brought more than this price.

Lot # 508 1909 Ford Model T Touring; S/N Engine no. 7318; Engine # 7318; Red, Black fenders/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $12,000 – $18,000; Incomplete restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $26,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $29,120. – 177/22hp four, 2-speed planetary gearbox, E&J acetylene headlights with Ford badge, E&J kerosene sidelights and taillight. – Dull paint and brass. Aged top and upholstery. Restoration started long ago to the standards of the time and showing its age and still not complete. Missing the engine’s intake and exhaust systems, no ignition system. – A rare car from the first year of Model T production fully deserving completion of the restoration started years ago, but will take work and research to find the appropriate early T parts to complete it. A challenge that is worth meeting and can be accomplished even at this over-estimate price.

Lot # 509 1909 Oakland 40 Touring; S/N 1576; Engine # 331; Red, Black accents/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Older restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $34,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $38,080. – RHD. 318/40hp four, 3-speed, E&J acetylene headlights, E&J kerosene sidelights and taillight, red wood spoke wheels, whitewall tires. – Sound old paint, worn upholstery, loose fitting top. Dull brass. Orderly, oily engine compartment. Road used chassis. Believed to be one of only four surviving early Oaklands – Rare and rather grand compared with its modestly-powered Ford Model T counterparts, this is a moderately priced prize for a Pontiac collector, the granddaddy of Pontiac history.

Lot # 510 1906 Thomas Flyer 50hp 7-Passenger Touring Car; S/N C17; Burgundy/Black leather; Estimate $400,000 – $500,000; Unrestored original 4+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $760,000 plus commission of 10.66%; Final Price $841,000. – RHD. 523/50 ALAM hp T-head four, 4-speed, Solar acetylene headlights, kerosene sidelights and taillight, jump seats, double chain drive, Schebler updraft carburetor, later electric starter. – Rough, complete and all-original except for a mediocre old repaint. Ex-Harrah Collection. Simply wonderful. – It is hard to convey just how marvelous the survival of this Thomas is, even escaping the Harrah Collection’s well-known proclivity for research and restoration. It needs a lot, but in the end it should receive only a little carefully considered mechanical and functional attention so it can be driven (very quickly) as was originally intended. The successful final bid was contested among several bidders and is a landmark in value. It’s worth whatever these bidders thought it was: There are no arguments with their judgment because where will another one like it be found.

Lot # 511 1906 Darracq Model 40/60 Runabout; S/N Engine no. 9312; Engine # 9312; Red, Black fenders, Orange chassis and wheels/Black leatherette; Estimate $100,000 – $150,000; Rebodied or re-created 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $195,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $218,400. – RHD. 422/60hp four, 3-speed, B.R.C self-generating acetylene headlights, Ducellier kerosene sidelights and taillight, copper oval bolster fuel tank, bulb horn, dual rear-mounted spares. – Sound paint and upholstery. Oily engine and chassis. Dull brass. Well-maintained but shows touring use and age. – Sold by Christie’s from the Bill Lassiter collection in 1999 for $67,400 and described then as, “Rebodied during restoration in the ’60s and now aged nicely under the care of appreciative collectors like Don Gilmore and Bill Lassiter.” Earlier owned by George Waterman and Kirk Gibson here in Rhode Island. In good if largely unused condition it promises to be a scintillating road car, potential recognized by the bidders here with this over high estimate hammer bid, a marvelous automobile.

Lot # 512 1905 Franklin Model A 12hp Runabout; S/N Engine no. 1524; Engine # 1524; Red, Black fenders/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Older restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $55,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $61,600. – RHD. 108/12hp transverse air-cooled overhead valve four, 2-speed planetary transmission, varnished wood spoke wheels, Jones speedometer, bulb horn, kerosene sidelights and taillight. – Worn and flawed old paint. Worn upholstery with cracks. Dull brass. Road used chassis. Sound and complete but aged and used. For many years in the Tony Hulman collection in Indianapolis. – Lift the bonnet on this early Franklin and it is impossible not to think of Soichiro “Pop” Honda and the air-cooled fours that revolutionized motorcycles in the Fifties even if “Pop” may never have heard of H.H. Franklin. It is a marvelous construction and reasonably well-preserved after a long ago restoration. It would be marvelous on the Brighton Run but is, alas, a year too late to participate. It has potential, even at this price.

Lot # 513 1903 Thomas Model 18 Single Cylinder 8hp Rear Entrance Tonneau; S/N None; Engine # None; Red, Black accents/Black leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $70,000 – $90,000; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $230,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $257,600. – RHD. 106/8hp single, 3-speed, chain drive, white tires, Solar acetylene headlight, Dietz kerosene sidelights. – Good older paint and upholstery, bright brass. Clean older restored chassis. Needs attention but not a lot. At one point converted by Thomas to a 2-cylinder Buick engine for the first owner. Acquired by Harold Coker and equipped with a reproduction of the original Thomas single. Not VCC dated for the Brighton Run. – Sold by Bonhams at Amelia in 2020 for $89,600, don’t even try to figure out why three years later it’s worth 2.5 times more. Bidding started at $28,000 and accelerated rapidly to this result with nary a breather in the action. This is beyond even late model supercar appreciation, an astonishing result.

Lot # 514 1911 Palmer-Singer Model 4-50 7-Passenger Touring; S/N 504; Red/Dark Red leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $400,000 – $500,000; Older restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $500,000 plus commission of 11.00%; Final Price $555,000. – RHD. 499/50 ALAM hp, T-head four, 4-speed, Warner speedometer, clock, dual right side spares, Solar projector acetylene headlights, bulb horn, Gray and Davis kerosene sidelights, jump seats. – Sound old paint, upholstery and top. Good brass. Orderly engine compartment, oily road grimy chassis. A big, impressive automobile, one of four known surviving Palmer-Singers. Acquired by this family in 1956 on a recommendation from Henry Austin Clark, Jr. Restoration completed in 1960, AACA winner that year and completed the Glidden Tour with over 30,000 touring miles since. Crankcase, crankshaft and cylinders replaced (original parts included.) Fabulous, rare and beautiful. – This is a magnificent example of two rich and mechanically-inclined guys’ (Palmer was a barrel manufacturer and Singer came from the sewing machine family) intention to build the best car in America and it might well be that they succeeded even though their legacy has faded into history. In this sale with its singular emphasis on really old, imaginatively-engineered cars it could have brought more and still been a decent value. When will another Palmer-Singer turn up, making this a rare opportunity.

Lot # 515 1912 Ford Model T Torpedo Project; S/N Engine no. 99889; Blue/Black leather; No top; Estimate $10,000 – $15,000; Incomplete restoration 4 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $11,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $12,320. – 177/22hp four, 2-speed planetary transmission, wood spoke wheels, acetylene generator. – No doors, no top, no lights, stock engine. An incomplete project with mediocre paint and upholstery. – With so much left to find, acquire, fix and assemble by the time this T is done it will be an expensive if enjoyable project.

Lot # 516 1901 Locomobile Style 2 5 1/2hp Steam Dos-a-dos Runabout; S/N Engine no. 4684; Engine # 4684; Yellow, Black/Black leather; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Unrestored original 4+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $26,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $29,120. – RHD. Tiller steering, Phare Continental acetylene headlight, wall clock-size Erie City Iron Works pressure gauge. – Long ago repainted and driven since but not for a long time. Filthy engine, dirty chassis. 1901 body style, 1902 sequence engine number. Acquired from the Indy Motor Speedway Museum. Not run in years and needs comprehensive attention from a steam expert including probably a complete new boiler. – The amount of expert work needed to realize this Locomobile’s potential is substantial and expensive but at least it will almost surely pass the VCC’s inspection for inclusion in the Brighton Run, an accomplishment that by itself may be enough to justify the expense. Besides, steam is nifty particularly when your passengers face backward and can be called upon in place of a rear view mirror.

Lot # 517 1909 EMF Model 30 Touring; S/N 2163; Engine # 2443; Cream/Brown leather; Dark Brown cloth top; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Older restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $28,000. – RHD. 226/30 ALAM hp side valve four, 3-speed, dual right side spares, Stewart speedometer, Waltham clock, E&J acetylene headlights, bulb horn, varnished wood spoke wheels. – Old chipped and dirty paint. Sound old upholstery, folding scuffed top. Oily, road grimy chassis. Erratic but not banged up brass. A sound and usable car that needs and deserves attention. – This is more powerful and roomy than a Model T but bought at about Model T money, at least today in Middletown, RI. It’s a sound value.

Lot # 518 1907 Pope-Hartford Model L 25-30hp Raceabout; S/N Engine no. 3033; Engine # 3033; Maroon/Brown leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $85,000 – $115,000; Older restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $132,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $147,840. – RHD. 298/25hp overhead valve inline four, 3-speed, mother in law seat, Solar acetylene headlights, Gray & Davis kerosene sidelights and taillight, Rubes bulb horn, Solar acetylene generator, electric brake light. – Sound older paint, upholstery and top with edge and corner chips. Discolored brass. A big, impressive old raceabout that should need little to be driven. – One of the rewards for owning this Pope is watching the exposed valve gear pushrods and rocker arms doing their little dance while contributing a constant dribble of oil to dust suppression. The old restoration might be called mellowed, but that’s a bit generous which may have deterred bidders’ enthusiasm. In any event, the new owner got a sharp little runabout with a conventional sliding gear 3-speed transmission to add to its driving enjoyment.

Lot # 519 1910 Cadillac Model 30 Tourer; S/N 21280; Engine # 43969; Dark Olive, Black fenders/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Older restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $38,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $42,560. – RHD. 226/30 ALAM hp inline four, 3-speed, (broken ) Stewart speedometer, Gray and Davis acetylene headlights, kerosene sidelights and taillight, right side spare, Rubes bulb horn, Cream wood spoke wheels, whitewall tires, Solar acetylene generator. – Usable old paint, cracked body panels, edge chips. Good but folding smudged top. Sound older upholstery. Touring used chassis. Dull brass. A handsome and usable Cadillac that will benefit from cosmetic and mechanical attention. – One of very few lots in this sale to change hands on a hammer bid below the estimate range, it needs attention that can be economically and reasonably given to it at this price.

Lot # 520 1905 Maxwell Model H 16hp Touring; S/N Engine no. 10146; Engine # 10146;, /; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Unrestored original 4+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $26,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $29,120. – RHD. 197/16 ALAM hp opposed twin, 3-speed, Climax acetylene headlights, Atwood kerosene sidelights and taillight, right side spare, electric starter added. – Rusty, dirty barn find but sound and complete. Rebuilt mechanically in the current collection. Needs almost everything but a great place to start. – Originality is one of today’s most sought attributes and this Maxwell has it in spades. The 2-cylinder engine isn’t as desirable however and the result is one of only a few cars in this sale not to break into its pre-sale estimate range. The new owner has plenty to work with and can polish brass well into 2023. Make sure it runs and stops and bring it to any car show where it will stop traffic like nothing else.

Courtesy Bonhams

Lot # 521 1909 Oakland 20 Touring; S/N 1627; Engine # 397; Maroon, Black fenders/Black leatherette; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Older restoration 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $32,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $35,840. – RHD. 152/20 ALAM hp twin, 2-speed planetary gearbox, bulb horn, Oakland script acetylene headlights, kerosene sidelights. – Dull old paint and brass. Good upholstery. An old restoration in sound touring condition. – Neither of the early Oaklands in this collection got the bidders excited although this one, a usable if aged restoration, did better than the Model 40, lot 509. It is eminently usable and practical and a realistic value in this transaction.

Lot # 522 1906 REO 16hp Model A Touring; S/N 2911; Engine # 2911; Red, Black fenders, Cream frame/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Older restoration 2- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $35,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $39,200. – RHD. 213/16 ALAM hp twin, 2-speed planetary gearbox, Jones speedometer, bulb horn, Solar electrified headlights, Dietz kerosene sidelights, removable rear seat tonneau. – Very good paint, upholstery and top. Restored to show quality some time ago, lightly used since but not recently. – It is well worth the time, attention and money that it will take to freshen this REO mechanically for use on the road, a modest but historic automobile in very good condition.

Lot # 523 1905 Cadillac Model F Touring; S/N Engine no. 5033; Engine # 5033; Blue, Black fenders, Straw chassis and wheels/Black leather; No top; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Incomplete restoration 4+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $49,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $54,880. – RHD. 98/9hp single, 2-speed planetary transmission, no headlights or sidelights, tarnished Neverout taillight. – Sound paint on the tonneau and wheels but the chassis and drive train are chipped, dirty and dusty from long storage and lack of use or attention. The dummy hood is 1906 style but the engine number is from the 1905 sequence. – There were hours of automobilia preceding the cars in this auction, something that in this case might have been better swapped so the buyers of cars needing lights and other bits to finish the incomplete cars could have been available to the cars’ buyers. That doesn’t seem to have deterred bidders in this case who saw it as complete and on the road and will enjoy the process of completion.

Lot # 524 1906 Pope-Toledo Model XII 35/40hp Roi Des Belges; S/N Engine no. 35401821; Engine # 35-40-1821; Red, Black accents/Black leather; Black cloth top; Estimate $275,000 – $325,000; Older restoration 3+ condition; With Reserve; Hammered Sold at $310,000 plus commission of 11.61%; Final Price $346,000. – RHD. 353/40hp F-head crossflow four, 3-speed, double chain drive, Jones speedometer, Solar lighting, white tires, bench jump seat, single right side spare, Junghans clock. – Elegant Roi des Belges coachwork with voluptuous curved panels and high rear seats for privileged occupants. Chipped, cracked old paint. Good upholstery and lots of brass. Very clean engine compartment. Oily and road grimy chassis. Runs. – This is a fairly spectacular car, the “halo car” in Col. Albert Pope’s automotive empire. The sinuous Roi des Belges coachwork is fascinating, fit for a king. Restored decades ago, it has been carefully preserved and although it shows inevitable age it is more than fit to be used and has been recently freshened including polishing the acres of brass. Purchased at Bonhams Amelia auction in 2019 for $318,500 from the Donald Boulton collection and only modestly more today, I think it has atmospheric intake valves and exposed valve gear mechanical exhausts. It is a marvelous, ingenious thing worth every penny of the price it brought.

Lot # 525 1910 Courier Model 10-A-1 Roadster; S/N Engine no. 388; Engine # 388; Blue/Black leather; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Visually maintained, largely original 4+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $50,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $56,000. – RHD.199/20 ALAM hp side valve four, 3-speed, Atwood-Castle acetylene headlights, cylinder bolster fuel tank, rear-mounted spare. – Peeling, blistered old paint. Sound upholstery. Oily engine and chassis. Sound and complete but old, dirty and neglected. Built by Stoddard-Dayton and marketed as the Courier, a smaller, less expensive car with a more modest drivetrain. Needs everything. – Not that the bidders today seemed to care. They saw a lightweight, sparse, reasonably powerful 2-seater with excellent potential on the road. Bidding started at only $17,000 and went on, and on, and on to this result, generous for the Courier’s inherent attributes but no more than the Model T Torpedos sold today.

Lot # 526 1910 Buick Model 2A Truck; S/N 24757; Engine # 24557; Dark Blue/Black leather; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Visually maintained, largely original 4+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $38,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $42,560. – RHD. 159/22hp opposed twin, 2-speed planetary gearbox, Castle kerosene sidelights, double chain drive. – Chipped old repaint, cream wood spoke wheels. Sound upholstery. Dirty road used chassis. – Like a number of vehicles in this collection the catalog describes with Buick flatbed truck as “beautifully refinished”. It was, but that was long ago and today the paint is chipped, cracked and peeling and the chassis is dirty. It is a project that needs comprehensive attention and it is even at this within-estimate hammer price and expensive indulgence.

Lot # 527 1947 Ford Super Deluxe Sportsman Convertible; S/N 799A1705068; Pheasant Red/Brown leatherette; Beige cloth top; Estimate $125,000 – $175,000; Older restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $160,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $179,200. – 239/100hp, 3-speed with overdrive, turn signals, radio, clock, South Wind heater, dual remote spotlights, power windows, hubcaps, trim rings, wide whitewalls. – Uneven deck lid fit. Good older paint, chrome, interior and top. A little bit of pretty birdseye maple framing but most of the wood is unexciting. No front floor carpets. Owned by this family since 1957 (when it cost $420) and restored in the 70’s. AACA National First Prize winner and still good enough to be driven and enjoyed. – Accorded a material premium for long single family ownership history and a quality but four decades old restoration, this is an expensive Ford Sportsman.

Lot # 528 1908 Franklin Model G Touring; S/N 5052G; Green, Black fenders/Black leatherette; No top; Estimate $40,000 – $50,000; Incomplete restoration 4 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $22,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $24,640. – RHD. 143/22hp overhead valve inline four, 3-speed, Solar acetylene headlights, Gray and Davis kerosene sidelights. – Dull preservative recent paint. Good upholstery. Dull brass, battered sidelights. Functional old chassis. An incomplete project that deserves to come apart and be done correctly. Later improved 1909-1910 engine, a common swap. – A nasty old beast but blessed with Franklin’s ingenious 4-cylinder engine that makes up at least in part for its mediocre treatment and quick repaint.

Lot # 529 1912 Ford Model T Touring; S/N 93288; Engine # 102111; Black, Red coachlines/Black leather; Estimate $12,000 – $18,000; Older restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $26,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $29,120. – 177/22hp inline four, 2-speed planetary gearbox, Ruckstell 2-speed rear axle, red Pasco wire wheels, Rocky Mountain brakes. – Decent older paint, upholstery and top. Dull brass. An older restoration with touring miles. – “Better performance” means mastering the art of split shifting, something our fathers (or grandfathers) did in the Thirties but mostly lost to younger folks except those with Doug Nash 4+3 transmissions in their (father’s) Corvettes. I think it means starting out in low-low, shifting the axle to high (low-high), changing both gears to high-low and finally high-high. Whew. This is a presentable Model T with desirable equipment at a realistic price.

Lot # 530 1935 Ford V8 Roadster; S/N 182129187; Black, Red coachlines/Dark Red vinyl; Beige cloth top; Estimate $35,000 – $45,000; Visually maintained, largely original 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $32,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $35,840. – 221/85hp, 3-speed, red wire wheels, trim rings, hubcaps, grille guard, rumble seat, rear-mounted spare, fog lights – Sound old repaint, upholstery and top. No floor covering. Dirty, rusty engine compartment, shiny replaced carburetor and fuel pump. Aged but reasonably well-maintained and usable. – The notable detail in 1935 Fords is the emerging influence of Edsel Ford’s design sense in the bodywork with its slightly raked vee grille, short hood and long deck. You can still be cool driving one of these, in fact it may be cooler to drive a ’35 Ford Roadster than a McLaren 720. Slower, but cooler, and a lot less expensive as well as easier to get in and out of.

Lot # 531 1909 EMF Model 30 Touring; S/N 6498; Royal Blue, Black fenders, cream chassis/Black leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $25,000 – $35,000; Visually maintained, largely original 3- condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $25,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $28,000. – RHD. 226/30 ALAM hp L-head four, 3-speed, E&J acetylene headlights, E&J kerosene sidelights and taillight, Gray & Davis acetylene generator, Jones speedometer, Rubes bulb horn, single right side spare. – Serviceable old repaint. Sound original looking upholstery. Soiled top. Road used, dirty, greasy chassis. Dull brass. Sound and complete but aged and driven. – This is just an old car, acquired by the collection in 2020 and unused since, as well as long before that. Undistinguished but with potential and potentially a good road tour performer at a moderate price.

Lot # 532 1911 Pierce-Arrow Model 36-UU Touring Car; S/N 12133; Engine # 32325 (see text); Red/Black leather; Beige cloth top; Estimate $200,000 – $300,000; Older restoration 3+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $150,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $168,000. – RHD. 475/40hp ALAM hp inline six, 4-speed, dual right side spares, Warner speedometer, bulb horn, acetylene headlights, kerosene sidelights and taillight, electric taillights and starter added. – Later 1912 engine. Restored in the Sixties from a derelict found in a peach orchard with a reconstructed (but correctly in cast aluminum) rear body. Sound older paint, upholstery and lightly soiled top. Good but inconsistent brass. Thoroughly restored and maintained with some touring use and oily road grime on the chassis. – This result is oddly inexpensive but consistent with the reconstructed body. On the road it will make no difference.

Lot # 533 1930 Buick Series 40 Model 44 Sport Roadster; S/N 2350515; Engine # 2458372; Dark Olive, Black fenders/Brown leatherette; Brown cloth top; Estimate $60,000 – $80,000; Unrestored original 5+ condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $16,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $17,920. – 258/81hp, 3-speed, dual sidemounts, wind wings, rumble seat. – Barn find but complete and sound. Needs comprehensive attention. – Or just make it run and enjoy the effect it has on onlookers. This is the sole car in this collection that fell well short of expectations.

Lot # 534 1909 Buick Model G Runabout; S/N 2122; Engine # 15382; Wine, Straw chassis/Maroon, Black leatherette; Estimate $30,000 – $40,000; Unrestored original 4 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $20,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $22,400. – RHD. 159/22hp opposed twin, 2-speed planetary gearbox, mismatched Gray and Davis and Dietz kerosene sidelights and taillight. – Awful, peeling orange peel old paint. Good upholstery. Dirty engine and chassis. Right front tire peeled down to the carcass. Probably a rebody, and not a very good one at that. Tired, aged and neglected. – This is a supremely generous price for a neglected old Buick twin with reproduction bodywork.

Lot # 535 1911 Ford Model T “Frontenac” Runabout; S/N 68304; Engine # 14499152; Dark Blue, Grey coachlines/Black leather; Black leatherette top; Estimate $20,000 – $30,000; Modified restoration 3 condition; No Reserve; Hammered Sold at $44,000 plus commission of 12.00%; Final Price $49,280. – 177/35hp ohv Frontenac cylinder head, Winfield carburetor, alternator, water pump, 2-speed planetary gearbox, 2-speed rear axle, Stewart speedometer, Oakland fuel gauge, Motometer temperature gauge, E&J Ford script headlights, kerosene sidelights and taillight, fuel pump, coil and distributor ignition, single rear-mounted spare, wire wheels. – Sound old paint, upholstery and top. Dull brass.

Dusty, oily engine compartment and chassis. Done to high standards, then used. Frontenac ohv cylinder head by the Chevrolet brothers. – At least two people agreed this was the secret gem of the collection: Wayne Carini and me. Unfortunately I can’t afford it and Wayne is too astute to pay this much… or is he? In any event it is vastly under-estimated in the catalog, a dream Model T hot rod that looks like a duck, drives like an osprey and will run rings around some of the six-figure cars in this collection. It doesn’t get much better than this in value.

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Comments

  1. Reply

    Rick,
    Thanks for this report. Herb Singe was a founding member of the NJ Region of the AACA (Antique Automobile Club of America), which he helped start in 1951. I joined the NJ Region about 15 years ago, and Herb was a regular attendee up until a short time before his passing. He lived into his 90s, and he was also at Hershey every year for many decades. Tragically, his son, also named Herb, died a very short time after his father, perhaps a year or so, although I’m not sure of the exact span of time. I’m very glad to see that this prestigious collection was sold to collectors who will certainly appreciate it! Richard Reina

    • Randy
    • August 29, 2023
    Reply

    Herb was a friend of mine. I also sold him a scooter . New old stock Honda cub
    Toured the museum a number of times.

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