1903 Century Tourist
1903
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Transmission:
2-Speed
Cylinders:
1
Auction Estimate:
$90,000 - $100,000
VIN:
42
Description
In between 1900 and 1929 alone there were roughly 2500 different auto manufacturers that came and went at different times. Many started early on and lasted for only a few years, one of these proprietary companies that created a quality motorcar in the pre-1905 era was the Century Motor Vehicle Company that was based in Syracuse, New York. They went into business in 1900 and built steam and electric vehicles initially until introducing their gasoline powered model called…
In between 1900 and 1929 alone there were roughly 2500 different auto manufacturers that came and went at different times. Many started early on and lasted for only a few years, one of these proprietary companies that created a quality motorcar in the pre-1905 era was the Century Motor Vehicle Company that was based in Syracuse, New York. They went into business in 1900 and built steam and electric vehicles initially until introducing their gasoline powered model called the “Tourist” in 1902. The Tourist sold well and had positive reviews in period publications such as Motor Age Magazine and the Cycle and Automobile Trade Journal. It was advertised as 8 horsepower, it had a massive one cylinder engine with a 5 1/4 inch bore and a 6 inch stroke with a cast iron cylinder head and cast iron crankcase making more like 10 horsepower. It also had a 2-speed planetary transmission that is chain driven to the rear axle which looks to be a Weston-Mott design with brake drums on either side of the drive sprocket. Unfortunately, the Century Motor Vehicle company only lasted for a short time after the introduction of the Tourist, halting production in 1903 and declaring bankruptcy in January of 1904.
Offered here is a very rare London to Brighton eligible 1903 Century Tourist that was discovered in a carriage house in Connecticut in 2019 where it had been sitting since the 1950’s. According to the family, it was purchased through Henry Austin Clark Jr who owned it for several years. He had purchased it from a barmaid in Newport, Rhode Island where it was originally sold to her father new. Upon the consignor’s acquisition, the body was painted, and the upholstery was redone in leather as original. The chassis was left with the old paint to show how original and well preserved this car is. The brass lamps were polished including its beautiful Solar self-generator headlamp. Most importantly the car was completely gone through mechanically and now runs very well. It was entered into the inaugural Newport Rhode Island Veterans Car Tour in March of 2022. NOS PJA pneumatic white smooth tires were installed giving it a beautiful period look. It also has a rear-facing dos-a-dos seat for rear passengers. This would make an exceptional car to take on the London to Brighton run. If you are looking for a quality original Edwardian motorcar with a big engine that has not been seen before, this car should certainly be considered as an addition to your collection. Sold on a bill of sale only.
1903 Century Tourist
Lot #:
115
Auction Estimate:
$90,000 - $100,000
Sold For:
Passed
Year:
1903
Make:
Century
Model:
Tourist
Body Style:
Dos-A-Dos
VIN:
42
Exterior Color:
Black/Red
Cylinders:
1
Engine Size:
8hp
Transmission:
2-Speed
Consignor Ratings*
Engine:
Excellent
Body:
Excellent
Chassis/Frame:
Excellent
Tires:
Excellent
Coachwork/Interior:
Excellent
Transmission:
Excellent
Paint:
Excellent
Overall Condition:
Excellent
*The following ratings were provided by the consignor, based on a scale of ‘Poor’, ‘Fair’, ‘Good’, ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’. (Excellent = 100% restored)
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