G Mills

Believe I saw this about 40 yrs ago - early 1980's. The rear wheel tread has always stuck in my mind. I was going to ask if you picked it up in Colorado - later noticed lisence plate on your pickup. If it's same running gear an older gentleman owned it ad had it in a shed in his back yard in Lakewood Colorado - south of Belmar Muesum on Wadsworth. A very good friend of mine (Roy) had told him it was International Highwheeler - the gentleman who owned claimed that was incorrect (which I agree it is not IHC Autowagon). At time it was first highwheeler I had ever seen. In 1991 Roy and I traded several pieces of old iron - I ended up with a early 2 cylinder air cooled motor - Roy encouraged me to make a highwheeler out of it with an old buggy. Well overtime I have researched highwheelers in depth - currently building one like Roy had suggested. Why - because it's a challenge! Also highwheelers value has increased at a crazy rate in last several years - so buying one to restore is out of budget. Do have a Model A Ford, Autocar truck, tractors and gas engines. Ok - so really have no clue on who made your highwheeler. I can say it's not International, Sears, Holsman, Kiblinger/ McIntyre (Black), Anderson, Sucess ... What I can say it's very odd configuration. Front kingpin axle looks to be a combination of production car and blacksmith forged (spindles). Steering is most likely home made (large sector gear portion cut from a large gear possibly a pump jack?). Wheels - production models of highwheel era 1906 to 1912 typically have front and rears same size - modified horse buggies have different size wheels (first clue on being home made - unless it 1900 era). Rear differential axle - believe this is automotive. Highwheelers typically have differential on jackshaft with two chains to rear wheels (few had one chain). Planetary transmission - well this is very interesting design - in general they are very hard to find so you are lucky to have this. The jackshaft configuration of the planetary transmission is very odd - mounting above frame also looks incorrect - needs dropped down under frame or with hangers (like a line shaft). I belive planetary transmission and rear chain drive differential came off of same early auto - not a highwheeler. So - I call this a piece of Americana - example of man's desire to build and modify. Could it be made to look better - yes. What do you have when done? Call it a period correct blacksmith autobuggy. If and when I saw it 40 years ago it was only a running gear ... seat and gas motor were added later ... do not recall details of steering or planetary transmission ... it was rolled into a shed. Remember the tread on rear wheels. Good luck with identification. Hope you find a period correct motor. Hope to see it a show.

Believe your highwheeler was built by Lee Andeson, Frazze Minnesota. On you tube there is an obscure video interview where he discusses collecting parts over many years - build was labeled 1908. Google search will also pick up some more pics and info. Good luck with your highwheeler. If you ever would like to sell it please contact me. I am also in search of 2 speed planetary transmission as used in a highwheeler, horseless carriage or motorbuggy. Thanks!