rdsieber

I was reading a discussion forum from 2019 on the Hudson Super Six Speedsters in the Buy/Sell section, and I was wondering if any of these folks or someone else reading this would have some factory brochure images or model specs to flesh out what these cars were? I'm trying to figure out what made them different than the standard 4-passenger touring model, since it appears that they both weighed about the same (as listed in Kimes' Standard Catalog entry on pp. 730-2)? Would appreciate any help given, =rdsieber

Dear old car community: I've been reading about Overland and have come across random photos of Overland Speedster models, but I have not been able to find any factory catalog images. The speedsters were apparently marketed during a brief part of the Overland's history, roughly 1910-1915, and the models that may have offered a speedster were the 1910 Model 38, the 1911 Model 45, the 1912 Models 58/59, the 1913 Models 69/71, the 1914 Model 79, and the 1915 Models 80/81. I write a blog called Classic Speedster, which can be found at https://ClassicSpeedsters.com/blog, and I'm gathering material to write about Overland. I'm looking in all of the usual places, but I could use some help in clarifying exactly which model years offered a speedster, and if there are any specific old auto journal references that would help clarify technical aspects of the cars. If there is a current owner of an Overland Speedster or a museum that could offer some images to use in my blog, I'd be very much obliged. Sincerely, Ronald Sieber

Dear old car community: I'm looking for information on the Marion Bobcat, such as factory catalog images, articles written in original auto journal articles (please name the reference if you have it). Technical information such as the dimensions, sources of engine/trans/running gear would be helpful too, but I have some articles on the Bobcat from the sixties, and I may find all of that there. I'm mainly requesting original source material. I write a blog called Classic Speedster, which can be found at https://ClassicSpeedstes.com/blog, and I am planning a piece on the Marion Bobcat. Any help here would be appreciated. Also, is there a current owner of one who would be willing to share a few photos? Thanks, Ronald Sieber

I had been doing some research on American Motor Car for an article that I am writing on my blog site, ClassicSpeedsters.com. I found several brochures in the HCFI.org library archives, but as many of you know, their server is at this time (Jan 2022) so slow that it can take a day to download what one wants to look at for research. I was unable to look at their collection of journals because of the time constraint. Since my blog focuses on speedsters, I wanted to see what American had in that regard, but the information is rather thin. They did have what clearly looks like a "track speedster" (named 'Speedster') for 1909, and the Roadster Special was a lightened Roadster (with the higher horsepower engine) that approached the Speedster's specs; it was probably the "street speedster" version for the amateur racer. And then there was the Traveler Special, also lightened a bit for (probably) endurance runs like the Glidden. The 1912 Scout rounded out the sport models for American, but I'm not sure if it competed in anything. I had a question about the engines for the 1909-1911 Special cars and the Speedster, since the notes on them in the sales brochures indicate that, although they were listed as having "L type" engines, with the descriptions given, they may have been "F type" heads instead. As discussed in the sales brochures, the touring models shared the same engine as the sports models, with the Special models having an overbore and some sort of different head. The attached pages from the 1911 sales brochure specify their difference from the touring models' heads, whose description states: "mechanically actuated valves all on one side. Offset cylinders and camshaft." For the Special and Speedster models, they "have inlet valves inverted directly over the exhaust and operated by rocker arms." I've attached a couple of images from the 1911 brochure for reference. Kelly Williams of the Stanley Registry had suggested that the above describes an "F head," which closely resembles an "L head." Questions: Is there anyone out there who has an article that shows the special heads on the Special and Speedster models? Is there someone out there who owns one of these cars whom we could consult? Is there a restoration shop that has restored one of these cars that could shed some light for the good of all? Thanks, =rdsieber

West: I am very sorry to read of your father's passing. May God walk with you in your journey of mourning and remembrance. Sincerely, Ronald D. Sieber

I looked at the web site and it indicated that the last archived show was in 2020. Am I looking in the wrong place?

Paul: Thanks for your kind words. Regarding the Red-I-Kut, it recently sold on the Horseless Carriage Club site as listed in their classifieds. Talk about rare - it's the only example that I know of that is still around! Happy roads, =rds

Hello, speedster fans! This is an update on my blog journal on classic speedsters, which is now in its third year. It's called ClassicSpeedsters.com. In it I try to cover the beat, both classic and modern, regarding speedsters that were manufactured and named as such by their makers. I also cover sporting cars of the earliest decades who were referred to as "speedsters" by the press or other reliable sources; many of them had names that implied a type of racy roadster. Another exception to my reportage is that I cover the Ford Model T Speedster beat, as it was an historic grass-roots phenomenon that gave rise to many branches of modern hotrodding and sports cars, as well as the aftermarket industries that began in response to the demand for parts. I depend on forums like this to cover other aspects of the speedster world that I cannot get to, such as classic and modern homebuilts. I enjoy reading about them and it encourages me that speedsterism is alive and well, even in the 21st century! Finally, I'd like to announce that my book on classic speedsters is in press and will be published later this year. Excerpts from it have been printed as articles in Antique Automobile magazine, and I encourage all readers on this forum to visit my website to either check out book news or to read my blog journal. You can find both at ClassicSpeedsters.com. And if you like what I'm writing, please comment and subscribe. Until then, Happy Roads!

Phil: Be patient, my speedster friend. I've only started the blog. Lots more to come - stay tuned! Thanks for your feedback, and go drive that speedster!

My blog journal will focus on classic speedsters, which are often a springboard from which others have fashioned what we see (from time to time) on this forum. That being said, I will probably write an article or two on modern manufactured speedsters, as the concept continues, as well as look at modern enthusiast creations, including homebuilts. You can find my journal at https://www.classicspeedsters.com/, which has now gone live. There is a double opt-in signup if you would like to subscribe. I will probably post a new article every two weeks. Thanks for your interest, =rdsieber

@Autoluke: I appreciate your query. Right now I'm focusing on defining what a speedster is and its historical arc. There are so many companies that made authentic speedsters, both in the U.S. and abroad, from 1904-on, that it will take some time just to mention all of them and tell their story. Although I will certainly write about the popularity of home-made speedsters, the Model T/Fast Ford phenomenon being one example, I think that your question about custom creations is better addressed in a forum such as this one, where multiple strings can be started by participants, each one a separate topic and potentially a car to marvel at. I'm very close to getting the speedster journal online. It will be found at https://www.classicspeedsters.com/ I wish that this forum was more active. AACA should be a gathering point for all of us who are speedster fans, no matter what company flag we fly.

Ironic that this query has come up. I found myself many times doing the same search. Therefore, I have created a blog that covers the classic speedster world and am in the final stages of getting it together. It is a niche topic that needs its own site, which is one reason why I am doing it. I will post an announcement when it is ready and going up. I am shooting for Labor Day. For me, every day is Labor Day... =rds

Ron: Thanks for sharing info and pics on your Kissels. It's important to keep spreading the word about these classic speedsters and keeping them alive. I recently discovered a connection between Kissels and Appersons (Kokomo, IN) via Conover Silver, the man responsible for so many innovative speedster designs in the 'teens. I hope to find out more about that connection when I go up to Kokomo in September for their centennial celebration. Several classic car clubs participating, should be a good time. BTW, I met you several years ago and enjoyed very much visiting with you and your cars. Good luck on your next restoration! All the best, =rdsieber

The February 3rd edition of the Hemmings Daily blog features an article on the what is purported to be the 3rd and last known speedster prototype in the Edsel Ford - E.T. Gregorie collaboration. For those of us into speedsters, well worth a read: http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2016/02/02/who-knows-what-happened-to-the-third-edsel-ford-speedster/?refer=news

Steve: You are right - the article is about the 1932 example, the lesser known that does indeed look a little "tall" like a highboy. There has been almost no information available on it until its present owner researched and restored it, then put it out in the Hemmings blog. The article is an interesting read. P.S. I'm not really a FB guy. Sidebars and sliding call-outs - too distracting. There has to be a blog out there that focuses on the speedster hobby.