History
Manufactured in Auburn Indiana USA, this is one of only a handful ( many imported originally ) of Black highwheelers known to exist in Australia, this horseless carriage is regarded as being the one of the most original old automobiles in Australia. This vehicle had been in storage for some ninety years, most likely parked up early in its life because of a faulty big end bearing. It was originally owned by a Doctor who resided in East Melbourne. According to hearsay he took fright after the vehicle "bolted" on him and he was unable to stop. As a result, he stored the vehicle, never to be driven again!
This example is very unique and equipped with many period extras, including optional rubber tyres and Timken roller bearings in the wheels, a wide track of 5ft 2inches (extra $10.00), fenders, lights, horn and top were also extras. The body is painted a rich jet black with the seat and trim painted blood carmine. It is powered by a 12 hp twin-cylinder, horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine. Fuel is petrol with battery ignition, and the transmission has a low and high speed forward as well as reverse. The vehicle is fitted with an early block chain, which drives the rear wheels at a top speed of 25 mph. This Black has travelled very few miles and is fitted with the original B F Goodrich solid tyres.
Highwheeler is a term used to describe automobiles that are fitted with large "buggy" wheels. These vehicles look as if they should have a horse in front instead of being self-propelled with their own internal combustion engine.
Highwheelers most likely became of age around the period 1906 -- 1914 in the USA. In the early 1900's, outside the provincial cities in USA, roads were virtually non-existent - just sand in summer, mud and slush in winter. Conventional motor vehicles had great difficulty in travelling these harsh conditions yet the horse and carriage had no problems. Hence the evolution of the Highwheeler -- a self-propelled buggy that could travel virtually anywhere without problems. For this reason this style of vehicle was very popular in Australia, sadly today there are very few Highwheelers left in existence.
Memories
Manufactured in Auburn Indiana USA, this is one of only a handful ( many imported originally ) of Black highwheelers known to exist in Australia, this horseless carriage is regarded as being the one of the most original old automobiles in Australia. This vehicle had been in storage for some ninety years, most likely parked up early in its life because of a faulty big end bearing. It was originally owned by a Doctor who resided in East Melbourne. According to hearsay he took fright after the vehicle "bolted" on him and he was unable to stop. As a result, he stored the vehicle, never to be driven again!
This example is very unique and equipped with many period extras, including optional rubber tyres and Timken roller bearings in the wheels, a wide track of 5ft 2inches (extra $10.00), fenders, lights, horn and top were also extras. The body is painted a rich jet black with the seat and trim painted blood carmine. It is powered by a 12 hp twin-cylinder, horizontally-opposed air-cooled engine. Fuel is petrol with battery ignition, and the transmission has a low and high speed forward as well as reverse. The vehicle is fitted with an early block chain, which drives the rear wheels at a top speed of 25 mph. This Black has travelled very few miles and is fitted with the original B F Goodrich solid tyres.
Highwheeler is a term used to describe automobiles that are fitted with large "buggy" wheels. These vehicles look as if they should have a horse in front instead of being self-propelled with their own internal combustion engine.
Highwheelers most likely became of age around the period 1906 -- 1914 in the USA. In the early 1900's, outside the provincial cities in USA, roads were virtually non-existent - just sand in summer, mud and slush in winter. Conventional motor vehicles had great difficulty in travelling these harsh conditions yet the horse and carriage had no problems. Hence the evolution of the Highwheeler -- a self-propelled buggy that could travel virtually anywhere without problems. For this reason this style of vehicle was very popular in Australia, sadly today there are very few Highwheelers left in existence.
