Notable speedsters

The catalogue-speak for motorcar auctions is usually something I can either take or leave, but you should really look at this one if you get a chance. On this car, the writer describes how the Peerless 13 1/2-liter engine has so much torque that the frame has a little difficulty absorbing it under power and actually twists some in the process.

Some of the other cars for sale are really worth writing home about, too: a 1932 Stutz DV-32 Roadster, Marlene Dietrich's Rolls-Royce, a 1910 Premier, a 1903 Thomas, a 1904 Oldsmobile and a 1930 Cord L-29 Murphy Town Car.

The Peerless Speedster sold for $400K, which, I believe crushed the estimates. Tom Laferriere took a ton of pics up close, a real nice car but definately not a fresh restoration. Not a Speedster but I also heard the L-29 brought 1.76M, oh my!

The Bonhams press release said $440,000. Whatever the figure, it sounds like a successful auction. I would have liked watching all the Amelia Island festivities to see who acquired the car and to see the two other Peerlesses, a 1926 and a 1931.

Indeed, Jeff. Not surprisingly Tom reported the number last night with a focus from seller's perspective - your figure is after Bonham's takes their pound of flesh.

Like the catalog says "Not much, from this era can keep up with it"

The 440 probably included the 10% buyers premium.

Maybe it will start showing up at a few events, depending on the new owner, of course. Great to hear Tom Laferriere was there at Amelia Island and took photos. I read that the DV-32 went for $1,012,000.

No history on this one other than it is on Bonham's site as a past sale - I just think for a "T" speedster, the builder nailed the "racebout or bearcat" look about as good as you can with a "T". (maybe I should have posted in "Speedster design and proportions)

Discussed this car a bit on the "T" forum - I love the way he used the stock fenders with about a 6" drop by reforming them a bit and extending the fender irons. great cowl and bodywork as well, the seat position and tank really look about perfect to me. Also underslung vs. dropped front axle, very period correct.

About the only thing that stands out as "iffy" in my opinion is the use of late T wire wheels. They mean the car would not have been built until 1927 or so , and by then the Brass rad. would have been seen as very "old fashioned ". If it was a late twenties update of a teens built speedster almost certainly the rad. would have been updated along with the wheels. In my opinion the only wire wheels that look appropriate on a brass rad. T speedster are Buffalo or similar early aftermarket wire wheels, not late production "O.E.M. Ford Wheels". The car certainly makes the grade in every other way. I don't usually nit pick but we all have our hot buttons.

Greg in Canada

Ha Greg I mentioned this car on another forum and the wheels came back as well from one of those guys - not so much the late wheels in terms of period but thinking they would be a better fit if bigger - perhaps the aftermarket ones in perios would be?

Hi Steve, your hunch is correct. The typical Buffalo etc. wheel seen on T's are definitely larger diameter. I think they are generally for 30 x 3 1/2 clincher tires {23 " rims}. Some may have even been 32 x 3 1/2 {25"]. Layden Butler and others know a lot more than I do about them , and can provide a more informed answer. But the stock Ford bolt on's always look small at 21 ".

Greg in Canada

Here is another inspiration car for Speedster fans or potential addition to some well heeled collector's stable:

https://www.dragoneclassic.com/Auctions/spring-2015/1913-stutz-bearcat-series-b/

So who IS king, Mercer or Stutz???

I wish I were better with photoshop. I would photoshop this one in my garage!

I don't remember seeing the underside of fenders painted the frame color. Was this occasionally done during the period?

Good question, Dwight. I was wondering if they took liberties here like you sometimes see with Full Classics - "well they could have ordered it this way" or if that is authentic. My guess is the colors above may be authentic but not really common.

It looks good but unless it was 100% original to the car, given the fantasy of owning this one I would also have the undersides of the fenders painted black, myself..

I'm not sure either, but they do describe it as an authentic restoration. Maybe wishful thinking, but if it's true, they were certainly ahead of their time.

I think if I were to add an $850k car to the stable, I could put up with a little red paint.

I think if I were to add an $850k car to the stable, I could put up with a little red paint.

Me too.

Keith

Let's see if I can turn this right side up...

Hudson33 posted that a while back, but I was having issues dealing with the new format...

A period picture.

Nice. Can anyone identify it?

The speedster in post #59 looks to be a stripped down stock touring chassis from maybe around 1911.  Note the full elliptic rear springs.  Maybe an Overland? 

Have been away from the Speedster forum for a while as been trying to complete the Hudson.

Interesting that there is a comparison to the Mercer and Stutz but not the Hudson Speed Roadster Model 33.

These were factory built car made for racing and hill climbing, sold of the floor at $1600.00.At least $1000.00 less than completion but considering the size of the motor at 226 cu. in they were the "poor mans" racer for sure.

Less than 200 were believed to have been made and approx. 12 are known to be in still in existence. The only untouched

survivor is in the Simeone museum.

First time have had motor running in 25 years . Have been around the block a couple time and now time to check all the work of last 2 years for me.

Runs great  and will do the Mile a minute for sure!!!!!

 That is an awesome looking Hudson. It really looks spectacular, and I love those white coveralls, or are they driving suits?

 Thank you for sharing the pictures, it was worth the wait!

 Keith

It looks great! Time to post a "cruising vid" for us slow builders to drool over!

This is the coolest T speedster I have ever seen.  It was in the Hyman tent at Hershey.   I must not be alone since they want 45k for it.

Does anyone know the details about this rebodied Ford that was at Hershey?

The Dragone's are saying that it is coachbuilt by Viotti.  It has a 400-500k estimate on it.

On ‎8‎/‎26‎/‎2014 at 12:27 PM, alsancle said:

Did you guys see this T speedster?

http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/22174/lot/322/

That "T" speedster looks like it started at the bottom and went down from there.