For consignment, a 1914 Overland racecar, a creation that started with a 1915 chassis and according to our consignor, work commenced in 1916. What we have today is an exciting and accurate representation of speedsters and race cars of yesteryear that will come with a large binder full of photos and receipts from the build along with notes and instructions.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Exterior
Think of a flat platform and then add wheels below, an engine on top, throw a couple of seats up there along with a gas tank and you essentially have a racer that is light due to its sparsity and purposeful in its construction. Frame, axles, 35-inch wood spoke wheels, engine cover, gas tank, and seat shells are all painted a bright yellow which contrasts well with most other features that are black. Each spoke has decorative black accents and a black number six is on each side of the gas tank and is also seen in the mesh grille up front. A black leather strap holds down the engine cover which rises above black exhaust pipes on one side. Glossy black covers a small wooden trunk in back and a vintage Oilzum decal dresses up the battery box below. The brass radiator shell has tarnished but beyond that, the exterior presentation is just about flawless.
Interior
A pair of leather barrel style bucket seats occupy the platform for the driver and navigator, or passenger. Ahead of the driver is a robust wood steering wheel with brass controls and spokes in the center and posted on a brass column. The dash is polished wood with a few knobs and levers, while on the floor rises yellow gear controls and a brake. Steel pedals enter the firewall via yellow hardware and the floor is covered with a black rubberized mat to fit. Textured step ups occupy the glossy black sill on your way in and out of the car. Or should we say, off and on the car?
Drivetrain
Under the engine cover we find a clean Overland 240ci inline 4-cylinder with a 1-barrel carburetor and rated at 30 horsepower, and that's 29 more than you would have been racing with just 15 years earlier. A 3-speed selective sliding gear transmission sends power to the rear axle with 3.70 gears and mechanical brakes are found on the rear wheels.
Undercarriage
Everything is yellow underneath and that includes the leaf springs on the front and back. The yellow also shows oil more than black would and we note some leaking at the rear differential, the transmission and a few drops on the unpainted oil pan. The exhaust, as noted, comes right off the engine, one pipe for each cylinder. Other than the oil drips, the underside is clean and simple.
Drive-Ability
After mastering the choke and throttle combination, we were able to take this vintage racer around the test loop to find an easy rolling, slightly loud, and breezy ride. We faced the elements head on, in this case the warm air of Morgantown, and it felt not unlike riding a gas powered stagecoach. What functions there are all worked for us, and we're ready to hit the next Ragtime Racer event in this golden beauty! While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
And other than occupying some museum space, being part of a fine collection, or being a collection of one, Ragtime races would be the ideal venue for this unique automobile. We're thrilled to have it here at the mall as it represents the genesis of automotive racing and man's desire to go faster. We represent some of the quickest cars ever produced for the street, but there's no denying it all started with a platform with wheels and an engine attached.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit or call us at 610-901-3804. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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