Hershey 2019
1904 Holsman No. 5 High-Wheel Runabout
The Merrick Auto Museum Collection
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$46,750 USD | Sold
| Hershey, Pennsylvania
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- High-quality Holsman high-wheeler
- Archetypal rope drive system
- AACA National First in 1975
For 1908 Holsman continued the No. 9 and No. 10 Runabout and No. 11 Surrey, but dropped the No. 3 that was offered in 1907. Instead a No. 5 took its place. The wheelbase of all models had been increased to 75 inches.
Harry Holsman was true to his craft. He refused to upgrade his vehicles to pneumatic tires or upgrade the simple brakes that acted directly on the steel tires. Despite the availability of the larger Surrey models and, in 1909 and 1910, enclosed coupes, Holsman’s company failed in 1910. He did make another try, after moving some 50 miles away, with an another high-wheeler called the Independent Harvester. It was no more successful.
This No. 5 Holsman Runabout has the early rope drive system and right-hand steering. Equipped with a Rushmore Searchlight, it has a carbide generator, a Dietz oil taillamp, black leather fenders, and a cape top. It was awarded an AACA National First in 1975.
