1916-1918 Harroun

[Guest]

I am in search of any information pertaining to the Harroun Motor Company (cars, parts, literature). Any information where I could obtain one of these automobiles?

[Guest]

The Harroun was manufactured in Wayne Michigan between 1917-22.<BR>The car was designed by Roy Harroun, the winner of the first Indianoppolis 500 race in 1911.<BR>The car was available as a roadster and touring car at $595, and a sedan at $850.<BR>The car used a 4 cyl engine which the company made themselves, and sat on a 107 inch (2716 mm) wheelbase.<P>Production was suspened in the Spring of 1918<BR>due to WW1, and did not commence again until<BR>1921. Approximately 1,100 cars were built.<P>The English magazine "Automobile" had a picture in the June 1999 issue of the rusting<BR>remains of a Harroun at a farm in NW Pennsylvania. It is believed that the wreck is the only remaining Harroun.<BR>The car was discovered by Rich Hall of<BR>Simpsonville, NC

[IndianaCarGuy]

There was a 1917 Harroun in LaPorte, Indiana which was semi-rebuilt when I was a kid in the 1970's. I saw the car twice, and heard from my Great uncle that it was destroyed in a fire sometime in the 80's. It was also believed to be the only one left. I really think it was an assemblage of cars, and had a pretty badly done paint job. The whole body was loose, and I seriously doubt it could have been driven, despite the fact it did run. I have no other information about it,..but I do know that it had an inline 8 and a cone clutch, I have serious doubts the engine was original to the car.<BR>rs<p>[This message has been edited by IndianaCarGuy (edited 01-08-2001).]

[Guest imported_tonymaddux]

Not that this helps any, but I used to live in Casper, Wyoming, and bought a 1918 Dodge Brothers touring in North Dakota. A trip to the library in Casper and a look through the microfiche files of the Casper newspaper in 1918 (I was looking for Dodge Brothers information;Coliseum in Casper sold Dodge back then and still sells Chrysler products today) revealed two advertisements for the Harroun Motor Company, one advertising the touring car, one requesting dealers in the West. I made copies, I might have one still that I could scan and send you.

[fords4]

Hi Pacewagon! I have a copy of an old newspaper article that shows my grandfather having a dealership that sold Ford, Maxwell, and Harroun automobiles. His facility was located in Springville, PA, and states that he sold in excess of "400 cars". Ironcially, a note written on the side of the margin, from my father, indicates he traveled to Florida in one of the Harroun cars, a trip that took 12 days to get there. Curousity got the best of me on this car, did internet search, and subsequently found this posting. I have never heard of a Harroun car before reading this news article, and it does offer information on the "first" Harroun car, indicating that it "has already sped over 53,000 good miles, and ready for that many more and then some". Just thought you might be interested in it.

[timkraft1]

My next door neighbor has one in her garage. It is complete but needs restoration. Her husband has had it for more than 30 years stored in the garage. He died last year. I'd appreciate any info on its worth.

[Stu H]

I would be interested in purchasing a Harroun Motor Car. Is this one still for sale? How much? If sold, what did it sell for?

Thanks.

Stu Harroun

[West Peterson]

The only known "complete" Harroun was sold to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The car was for sale for a long time with an extremely attractive price tag ($5,000) with no interest. Here's one case where rarity does not translate into high-dollar value.

[Guest essex29]

I am the Rich Hall mentioned in the January 8, 2001 post. I am now living in the Erie, PA area and I am an AACA member.

I last saw the Harroun about 13 years ago and it has been rusting away in a field since about 1950. It was converted to a farm truck with a worm gear differential and dual rear wheels like a truck. The owner said it had been a touring car and it now has what looks like a mid 20s Buick hood and radiator shell. I have pictures and the sent in the article published in "Spectial Interest Autos" #164 March/April 1998.

At one time I found info on the Harroun and the suspension and engine look like Harroun. If I still have that info, I cannot find it.

I may go out and see what is left of it. I know the owner of the property.

[hddennis]

Just stumbled across 2 period "Motor West" magazine articles claiming one of these cars getting 46 MPG on the track and 64 MPG on the road!!

Howard Dennis

[Guest JMG72]

Hi there.

I am seldom on this forum, but thought I would chime in. After I learned that Harroun Motors Corp was once located here in my town of Wayne, MI, and I am a fan of all things old cars, I went to gathering all the info I could find on the company. I have collected it on my web page, below.

https://sites.google.com/site/mikestuffonly/harroun-motors-corporation

I'd still like to know if any Harroun motor cars still exist. I would really love to see one and learn more. If you have one or know where one is, please shoot me a note or post on my page.

Thanks!

Mike

Wayne, MI

[Guest Alfred Brock]

Hello - if you could provide me with any further information about the vehicle in Pennsylvania. My name is Alfred Brock. I live in the City of Wayne. The car was probably manufactured here. I am working with the City of Wayne Historical Museum and any information about the car would be welcome.

I am the Rich Hall mentioned in the January 8, 2001 post. I am now living in the Erie, PA area and I am an AACA member.

I last saw the Harroun about 13 years ago and it has been rusting away in a field since about 1950. It was converted to a farm truck with a worm gear differential and dual rear wheels like a truck. The owner said it had been a touring car and it now has what looks like a mid 20s Buick hood and radiator shell. I have pictures and the sent in the article published in "Spectial Interest Autos" #164 March/April 1998.

At one time I found info on the Harroun and the suspension and engine look like Harroun. If I still have that info, I cannot find it.

I may go out and see what is left of it. I know the owner of the property.

[Guest JMG72]

Alfred - didn't you notice I posted in this thread, and I am also in Wayne?

Anyways, not sure how to message from my phone in this forum, so my mail is car(dot)fixated(at)google(dot)com.

I'm sure you can decipher that. :-) shoot me a note, we should talk.

Thanks.

JMG

[timkraft1]

My neighbor has died and her Harroun may become available.  Let me know if there is any interest and I will pass it on to her heirs.  The car is in Troy, Michigan.

 

 

Tim K.

Edited December 17, 2018 by timkraft1
Add location of car (see edit history)

[BcROB]

On 12/17/2018 at 11:56 AM, timkraft1 said:

My neighbor has died and her Harroun may become available.  Let me know if there is any interest and I will pass it on to her heirs.  The car is in Troy, Michigan.

 

 

Tim K.

 

Tim, I am very sorry for the loss. I hope that all is going well for you and the neighbor’s family.

 

I have been doing some research on these cars and stumbled across this forum. Please reply and let me know if the family is interested in parting with the vechicle. I would love just to see it as well.

 

Thanks Tim!

[bradrudnick]

On ‎12‎/‎17‎/‎2018 at 8:56 AM, timkraft1 said:

My neighbor has died and her Harroun may become available.  Let me know if there is any interest and I will pass it on to her heirs.  The car is in Troy, Michigan.

 

 

Tim K.

HI Tim:

 

My name is Brad Rudnick.  I am a CPA in Fremont, CA (San Francisco Bay Area).  One of my clients has a 1919 Harroun that has been in her family for nearly a century.  The car is in  MI in her garage and has been covered all of these years.  She indicated that she does not know when the car was last driven but she said that all of the original brass fixtures are in place and shinny.  She is interested in finding a home for this auto as it belonged to her brother who passed away many years ago.  His wife recently passed away and our client would like to find a home for vehicle. Our client is here in CA and will be interested in selling the car.  Please contact me at 510-792-5770 (o) or 510-825-1159 (c) to discuss the vehicle.  We are exploring options for a new home for this vintage vehicle.  I look forward to your call.  My email address is brad.rudnick@finckrudnick.com.

 

Thank you in advance for your interest.

 

Regards,

 

Brad

[bradrudnick]

HI Tim:

 

My name is Brad Rudnick.  I am a CPA in Fremont, CA (San Francisco Bay Area).  One of my clients has a 1919 Harroun that has been in her family for nearly a century.  The car is in  MI in her garage and has been covered all of these years.  She indicated that she does not know when the car was last driven but she said that all of the original brass fixtures are in place and shinny.  She is interested in finding a home for this auto as it belonged to her brother who passed away many years ago.  His wife recently passed away and our client would like to find a home for vehicle. Our client is here in CA and will be interested in selling the car.  Please contact me at 510-792-5770 (o) or 510-825-1159 (c) to discuss the vehicle.  We are exploring options for a new home for this vintage vehicle.  I look forward to your call.  My email address is brad.rudnick@finckrudnick.com.

 

Thank you in advance for your interest.

 

Regards,

 

Brad

[timkraft1]

On 1/28/2019 at 6:59 PM, bradrudnick said:

HI Tim:

 

My name is Brad Rudnick.  I am a CPA in Fremont, CA (San Francisco Bay Area).  One of my clients has a 1919 Harroun that has been in her family for nearly a century.  The car is in  MI in her garage and has been covered all of these years.  She indicated that she does not know when the car was last driven but she said that all of the original brass fixtures are in place and shinny.  She is interested in finding a home for this auto as it belonged to her brother who passed away many years ago.  His wife recently passed away and our client would like to find a home for vehicle. Our client is here in CA and will be interested in selling the car.  Please contact me at 510-792-5770 (o) or 510-825-1159 (c) to discuss the vehicle.  We are exploring options for a new home for this vintage vehicle.  I look forward to your call.  My email address is brad.rudnick@finckrudnick.com.

 

Thank you in advance for your interest.

 

Regards,

 

Brad

The Harroun (a 1918 sedan) was just sent to the RM Sotheby Auctions In Auburn Indiana for an auction scheduled for early September (Labor day weekend I think.). It is in wonderful condition.  It’s overhead valve engine turns over.  No rust through, just good patina.

Edited June 14, 2019 by timkraft1
Correct auction company and location (see edit history)

[alsfarms]

nice solid car......

[Larry Schramm]

What did it sell for?

[dl456]

Larry,

He mentioned this car will be at Auburn fall.

 

Labor day weekend.

Dennis

[Larry Schramm]

2 minutes ago, dl456 said:

Larry,

He mentioned this car will be at Auburn fall.

 

Labor day weekend.

Dennis

 

Duuhhh,  I was thinking the May auction.  Thanks

[dl456]

No worries Larry,

I plan to be there. While I don't find the car all that attractive, I am curious about the engine.

The poster and the Standard Catalog both list this as a OHV 4 cylinder.

Was this their own manufacture or assembled?

Dennis

[Larry Schramm]

Would be interesting to be there, but I am so busy through the end of September I doubt I would bet to see it go across the block.  I agree on the engine though.

[timkraft1]

More photos are on the RM Sotheby’s Auction website including the OHV engine (which was designed with no valve cover).  Not sure how the rocker assembly was lubricated without having oil spray all over the engine compartment.

[timkraft1]

It sold at RM Sotheby's Auction for $33,000.

[George Albright]

Sold for $33,000 at Auburn auction 

[Pacewagon]

Well it only took me 30 years to find it, I bought it at the RM Auction.

i got it all cleaned up, went through it mechanically, new tires, and it’s back on the road. 

The lady in the second picture is the surviving member of the family that cared for it for 100 years. 

 

Todd Harroun

Kalamazoo, MI.

[Don Nicholson]

The City of Wayne Historical Museum has been searching for a Haroun for years.  Or anything related.  Since this was the home of Ray Haroun.  I am also sure that the Hackett Museum in Jackson Michigan would love to have this displayed or shown at the Museum show.  

[Larry Schramm]

Todd,

Great pictures and nice looking car.

[Pacewagon]

I tried to contact the Wayne Museum but no reply?

i will have to reach out to the Jackson Museum. 

Thank you,

Todd

[timkraft1]

Todd, l’m happy that a member of the Harroun family has been able to acquire this vehicle which was in my neighbor’s garage for over 30 years.  I’m glad I found this forum and posted the existence of this car which led to your acquisition.  It looks great with your cleanup.  Was it difficult to get running?

[Pacewagon]

No it was pretty simple to get it running. I cleaned everything first then went through all the fluids, cleaned the tank, carb., points, plugs,....

Once I got the fuel system primed it fired right up on the original plugs and wires.  

 

[AHa]

I thought there were two of these cars in the original post. Whatever happened to the second car?

[John Hamilton]

We have two stock certificates for Harroun's car company if anyone is interested.  As sent to original owner in 1918.  $350 for both.

[Carjunkie78]

New to the group and honestly enjoyed reading all of the comments in this thread. 
 

I have a piece of history that I believe is quite rare. I would like to sell it to someone with a Harroun Motor Car, or a museum.  
This book is dated January 1917 and appears to have been produced by MoToR 

for Ray Harroun. Please feel free to contact me with any interest in this book.  
(502)330-6903

[Carjunkie78]

On 10/1/2000 at 4:58 PM, Guest said:

I am in search of any information pertaining to the Harroun Motor Company (cars, parts, literature). Any information where I could obtain one of these automobiles?

I made a post below you may have interest in.

[Carjunkie78]

On 12/11/2019 at 6:53 PM, Pacewagon said:

Well it only took me 30 years to find it, I bought it at the RM Auction.

i got it all cleaned up, went through it mechanically, new tires, and it’s back on the road. 

The lady in the second picture is the surviving member of the family that cared for it for 100 years. 

 

Todd Harroun

Kalamazoo, MI.

I have the book that announced these cars