Rick Kenway

James Melton had an 1896 Offelt in his collection which turned out to be a whitney , do you have any information on this car? Regards, Rick

Hello Al, I have only recently noticed your response to my original post, hence the delay. Charles David Paige Gibson who purchased the first Whitney steam carriage in 1896 for $2500 was born in 1844. Gibson had served in the civil war (I’ve had no luck so far finding his war records) and for about 25 years was connected with the United States Secret Service. (This is also a matter for further research). Gibson married Alice Schoppe 8th October 1871. He had an extreme view point regarding religion. He was an officer in the American Protective Association “organised to hunt down Catholics". Elaborating on this further is likely to cause offence to the more sensitive politically correct among us. Gibson very extreme views have justifiably been compared to those of Adolf Hitler. As is well documented, Gibson patented Whitney’s car claiming it as his own invention. By 1899 Gibson removed Whitney’s engine and boiler and powered the car with an engine of his own design (presently still fitted in the car). The engine was powered by cylinders containing carbonic acid. Carbonic acid is known today as carbon dioxide or dry ice. In 1900, Gibson revealed his new compressed air car built by the American Vehicle Co. of New York. The picture used is the same one used to promote his acid car, however, the background has been altered. It is likely the acid cylinders were simply filled with compressed air, like his compressed air car. Fake news is nothing new. The Whitney steam car became the Gibson steam car which became the Gibson carbonic acid carriage which became the American Vehicle Co. Compressed air car. Later,in James Meltons collection, it was thought to be an Offelt. Gibson died 26th October 1922. In 1930, his widow Alice aged 82 was still alive, living with their daughter Mabel M Gibson aged 54 in New Jersey. In the 1930’s, James Melton purchased the car. Melton, like Gibson, has been an excellent candidate for research. I’ve owned the car for almost 20 years, competed in several London to Brighton Runs starting as number two. ( oldest go first). The excellent performance ensures this car leads for a short time before later more powerful cars overtake. The car is looking good, patinated with a copy of the original hood recently fitted. Ive been thinking I’ve done all I wanted to with the car, it might be time to repatriate it where it can be appreciated as a significant part of American pioneering history. Regards, Rick

Hi Ron, Interesting to see your article. I am the owner of the Whitney. I have further research which might interest you regarding Charles D P Gibson. Rick