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the Smith Automobile Co.


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a friend of mine found this auto VIN plate while metal detecting in Washington, KS. I found a little information on the internet about the Smith Automobile company, such as the owner had a bone fire and destroyed all records. I can't find any records on what this car looked like, model, engine. Does anyone have any more information as to what this VIN came off of?

Smith auto.JPG

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A web search turns up the information that the Smith Automobile Company made Smith, Veracity and Great Smith cars in Topeka Kansas from 1902 to 1911.

They ranged in size from the first "gas buggy" in the curved dash Olds class, to a 32.5 HP $2787 car  with a 318 cu in 4 cylinder engine. This was the Great Smith, a car that had the distinction of being the first to climb Pike's Peak.

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10 hours ago, 1937hd45 said:

Memory tells me AACA director Merral Smith had a restored touring car back in the 1970's. 

8a2946d70fd9fe1999123b22cf6e8585.jpg

Yes, Murrell was a good friend from our times living in Baltimore. We're still proud members of Chesapeake region there. Murrell was originally from Topeka if I remember correctly. He searched for years for a Great Smith and finally found an incomplete and unfinished restoration attempt. He managed to also find the remains of another incomplete car and was able to finish one. It was shown at Hershey but after Murrell passed away the car was sold. Don't know where it is today. Neat car and only a couple of them still existing. 

Terry

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He had some great cars. I remember him driving that car to a few local events. Even once in mud at Hershey.

I used to drive from Baltimore to Philly on Saturday morning for the judging school at the Annual Meeting. It was in the Ben Franklin Hotel then. Would meet Murrell and his wife Kathlene for an early breakfast at the hotel restaurant.  Great memories.

Terry

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3 hours ago, 1937hd45 said:

The Ben Franklin Hotel days were great, lots of great memories of people long gone now. Terry are the current meetings at all like the old ones? 

I think they are better.  Seminars are fantastic.  All the improvements over the years in graphics make a big difference.  Of course presenters don't need to "audition" for the job, but most are accomplished public speakers and experts in what they are presenting.  The J.C. Taylor hospitality suite remains our favorite place to unwind after a busy day.  With the recent by-laws change allowing the meeting to move around a bit we should see increased attendance from those who don't want to go to Philly in the winter.  It's always been a highlight for us and many others.  Yes-great memories but plenty more yet to be made.  Join us Bob and I'll reserve a front row seat in my Automobilia seminar.

Terry

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