Model B-1. 48 hp, 226.4 cu. in. Buda inline L-head four-cylinder engine, four-speed manual overdrive transmission, solid front axle and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and two-wheel mechanical brakes. Wheelbase: 121"

- The only known survivor of a rare motor car

- Older restoration preserving original features

The Biddle name came from the Philadelphia Biddle family. Bailey, Banks and Biddle, the fine jewelers, were probably the most well-known business affiliates of this same family. Directly similar to the DuPont automobile, which came later in the twenties, the Biddle was well built but used primarily other high-quality manufacturers’ mechanical components. While the DuPont used a Continental engine, the Biddle used a Buda engine. The Rudge-Whitworth wheels are tagged “Biddle-Philadelphia” in their centers. The engine also has “Biddle” cast on the top, as does the Muncie gearbox on its side. The target market for these cars were likely the aristocrats that, while often very fascinated by technical engineering, may not have always been the most handy with their hands as far as fixing things or fiddling. These cars were durable, reliable and impressive in the performance category. The service parts were readily available, and their cost was moderate. The vee-style radiator on the Biddle cars was reminiscent of the big Mercedes 28-95 models of exactly the same period. The coachbuilder of the body for this Biddle is attributed to Fleetwood of Fleetwood, Pennsylvania. They did almost all of the Biddle bodies. In fact, since “Ormond Beach Speedster” was slightly smaller than the L-head Mercer, it is likely faster and handles better as well.

Ownership history of this particular automobile goes back as far as 1962, when a feature story of this very car appeared in the AACA monthly magazine Antique Automobile (Volume 26, Number 1, page 21). The listed owner at the time was a Mr. Franz Ridgway. Since that time it is believed to have only changed hands twice, ending up in California before coming east to its present owner in recent times. 1920 and 1921 metal license tags are still mounted on the interior bulkhead, from when it must have first been registered in Chicago, Illinois. The body is believed to be original to the car, with no fabrications or modifications. Care was taken to preserve original features during the restoration, which was done in the 1950s. The engine was totally rebuilt by Tom Holthaus, a highly-regarded West Coast specialist.

This is the only known example of its type extant. Although an older restoration, the car is still very presentable, and mechanically it seems extremely strong. We are informed it drives well with strong power. The odometer reads just over 6,200 miles and is presumed to be the total mileage since restoration. It features a four-speed overdrive transmission and is very agile on the road, and due to it being so lightweight, the brakes work quite well.

Although short-lived, the Biddle name has a great story in automotive history and is one of only a handful of Pennsylvania-built pre-war automobiles. Its name alone, the "Ormond Beach Speedster," is a tribute to the early marketing skills of their period. The car can be kept and enjoyed in its present condition or would serve as an excellent candidate for a concours-quality restoration. It is complete and appears to be correct and without modifications throughout.