Elwood Haynes was an inventor, scientist, and industrialist famous for his pioneering use of aluminium in engine manufacture, co-discovering stainless steel, and the invention of Stellite, a form of alloy. His idea for a horseless carriage took three years to bear fruit, but was to be a premium product that claimed great quality and reliability among the very first practical production vehicles in the United States.

Building a manufacturing facility in Kokomo, Indiana, Haynes hired the Apperson brothers, Elmar and Edgar, to help realise his idea. In 1896, the Haynes-Apperson Company was formed, and for the 1902 model year, three options were presented to customers: the two-seater 7 HP Runabout; the two-seater 12 HP Phaeton; and the four-seater 12 HP Surrey. The latter-most option was the flagship offering with a price of $1,800. Steering was still tiller-derived for the catalogue, but at optional extra cost a steering wheel was available. For the 1903 catalogue, the tiller was discontinued in favour of the wheel, a production first.

This example, chassis 74, is a 12 HP Surrey model, with seating for four and powered by a twin-cylinder engine in excess of four litres. Of note on this Haynes-Apperson is the 1902 horseless carriage style bodywork where later models have a dummy scuttle and hood. The impressive and original four clutch 1902 gearbox, with its geared reverse, was modified to a chain unit for later 1903 cars. Of note is the pioneering early fitment of a steering wheel for the first time on the left-hand side of a production vehicle.

Inspected in tremendous detail by the Veteran Car Company in 2017, full investigation and evidence from the Elwood Haynes Museum has assisted to yielding an extensive dating document determining the car is an interim example, dating to 1902. Of note is the dissolution of the Apperson partnership in 1902 highlighting the fast-moving pace from hand-built finery to embrace practical production. The provenance of this car includes photographs with a removable double rear seat mounted on the engine cover, allowing for up to six passengers. Bidders should note the car no longer has this seat, and a new one would need to be fabricated.

This Surrey was reported to be part of William F. Harrah’s collection in 1968, as claimed by the Antique Automobile Club of America. It was sold at auction in the 1978 dispersal as a restoration project. Likely changing hands in the 1980s, chassis 74 was restored at some point prior to its import into the United Kingdom in April 1990, then for the noted Veteran Car Club member Clive Williams.

Entering the Haynes-Apperson Surrey into multiple London to Brighton runs, Mr Williams parted ways with chassis 74 in 2000. Veteran car specialist Robert Cleminson was the next proprietor and another VCC member, who sold the car at auction in 2004 to the current consignor. They have enthusiastically cared for and maintained this wonderful veteran car over the last 20 years.

Noted modifications in this post restoration period are a new Phoenix balanced crank, custom connecting rods (both with serviceable shell bearings), and pistons along with an additional recirculating oil pump lubrication enhancing the original fitments. The original iron rear brakes with greasers have been specially machined to accept friction linings and along with reinforced fixings as well as the original transmission brake are a welcome improvement to the stopping of a large veteran well capable of carrying a full complement of guests. New chain wheels and chains were fashioned by expert Rodney Fowler and 2023 saw a fully rebuilt water tank and the welcome addition of a custom made and quickly removable windshield for the often-inclement November mornings ensuring supremely practical and useable future use.

This Haynes-Apperson Surrey has been entered and fielded in nearly 30 London to Brighton events. The consignor, a land speed competitor and enthusiast, is regularly joined by Andy Green—the only man to have ever driven at the speed of sound. Green has completed the journey to Brighton over a dozen times. The party enjoyed the Haynes-Apperson’s easy 25 mph cruising speeds and 45 mph top speed in contrast to Green’s 763 mph land speed record, so much so that the affectionately referenced “Rusty Nail” has been cited for Green’s own foray into veteran car ownership.

The car is offered with an entry to this year’s run on 3 November 2024, sponsored by RM Sotheby’s. A rare sight to see on British soil, it is sure to draw interest from veteran car enthusiasts looking for something different to represent the dawn of American production vehicles or to simply enjoy the capable nature of a large, reliable and powerful multi-seat veteran.