In 1901, pioneer automakers Elwood Haynes and the Apperson Brothers of Kokomo, Indiana, went their separate ways. The Appersons relocated to Indianapolis to build their own automobile, which was produced through 1926.

The Apperson was well built but not particularly exciting in either its specifications or design, but the company had a knack for names, selling such thrilling-sounding models as the Silver-Apperson, the Roadplane, and, most famously, the Jack Rabbit. The name Jackrabbit was eventually applied to the entire Apperson line, as a sort of factory-applied nickname, and to this day, enthusiasts refer to the cars as “Apperson Jackrabbits.” Examples are featured in numerous museums all over the country, including the Kokomo Automotive Heritage Museum and the ACD Automobile Museum.

The 1919 8-19 touring offered here is an Anniversary model, so-named because this year celebrated the Haynes-Apperson’s 25th anniversary. Reportedly one of only about 20 Apperson automobiles known extant, it boasts a potent V-8 engine and dashing styling, including a seven-passenger interior with front bucket seats and folding rear jump seats. The dashboard features Waltham gauges, while the curved bell-shaped radiator and torpedo headlamps are indicative of the jazzy appearance of the later Apperson automobiles.

Appersons are among the most desirable Indiana-built automobiles of the Jazz Age, with wonderful presentation and striking lines, as well as, in the case of this model, impressive V-8 performance. This would be an excellent automobile for AACA and VMCCA activities.