I was at the Howard County Maryland Fair today and spotted this old gem on display. There wasn't anyone around who knew anything about it but I think it's a 1911 Model 27 Touring. It looks like it's been kept in original condition and I think it's pretty cool. I love all of the brass and copper with the original patina, it looks great!! Enjoy... Philip T.
I just looked at that, initially thought it was some off road tread pattern. That's a sharp eye, not what I think of when "reading the tire tread!!" I took that pic because of the curvy, mini tuba looking horn, not the tire...
Buick's idea was for the driver to be on the right so he could see the right side of the road and stay as far to the right as possible.
I missed the tread too I was trying to figure out if the light was gas or kerosene, maybe coal oil? Bob H.
The taillight is kerosene and the tank on the running board is for acetylene headlights. They also used carbide gas (homemade acetylene) but it was on an "as needed' basis and couldn't be stored. The RB fixture is a carbide gas generator (bottom half). Mix calcium carbide and water for the gas. New and improved as always! ws
I love original cars, but that Buick's owner needs to have those wooden wheels looked at by a professional. They need some love. Last year there was a person killed when a Model T dropped a wheel off the pavement and the wheel collapsed. There are a number of companies that redo wooden wheels - Stutzman's is one of the better-known firms that restore wheels. It really isn't that expensive when one considers the peace of mind that safe wheels provide.
John, I understand the concern about the wheels, but I don't believe that car is ever driven on the road. It's basically a traveling museum piece that makes appearances at fairs, auctions, farm shows, historical society events, etc. FWIW
Safety cant be overlooked at all John, but those wheels aren't that terrible, especially on a car that's doing 25mph on a good day. If it were going on tours, that's another story. The wheels that are on that car are what's called a "Non-demountable" with a "clincher type rim". The valve stem for the inner tube passes through the steel rim AND the wood fellow. The valve stems actually had a flange and a nuts so that they could be re-used when a new tube was needed. All the rubber stuff back then came out of a tree; not like todays rubber at all. But wait, it gets better. That kinda wheel almost necessitated the repair of a flat ON THE CAR leaving the wheel attached and removing the tire. Two flats in one day (not unlikely back then) could really ruin a family picnic way out of town, say 10 miles? The clincher part has a slot in the tire that when inflated (to 65 psi no less) the tire would seat that slot onto the rim which had a sharp channel, almost resembling the letter "C" in cross section. For the show, that Buick has a non clincher type spare tire. Its not period correct for that car, but the tread pattern gives it that "wow factor". That tire bead was used on a conventional style rim with a tube. More than likely a wire wheel or a demountable split rim. So now, for todays trivia concerning right had drive vehicles on the left side of the road, which is where it all started... Coachmen (horse and coach drivers) usually being right handed, would drive a team from the right hand side of the seat on the left side of the road. "Highwaymen" (robbers) would attack from the bushes from the left (notice not across traffic) giving the right handed driver time and distance to react with a sabre or accuracy with a handgun to protect his passengers and property. Kinda like a right handed pitcher throwing a bunter out at first. Already in the position to make the throw. Lefties save third base. While most of the civilized world drives on the right side of the road with a left sided control, it took the first part of driving for 20 years in this country to standardize the system. One day the Limeys (and the KIWIS blimey guvnah!!) will get it figured out too . Theres a big old LOL in there pals!! Anyways, heres some pics and a big thanks to Royce P from across the hall at that model T forum thing. Try posting pics over there... you have to crank 2 long and 2 short to get Mable to plug in the jack for a connection on the switchboard. PICTURES???? Those are things on glass plates with mercury and cyanide over there... ws
