1909 Washington Model A1 30HP Five-Passenger Touring

Offered by RM Auctions | Plymouth, Michigan | July 28, 2012

Howard O Carter founded the Carter Motor Car Co in 1907. They produced cars under the Carter Twin Engine nameplate through 1908 and in 1909 the company introduced the Washington – so named for its location – it was one of few automakers actually located within the small confines of Washington, D.C.

Unfortunately, Washington production only lasted through 1911, making this example from the first year of production very rare. The 4.2-liter four-cylinder engine makes 30 horsepower. One thing I find head-scratchingly interesting is that it is called a five-passenger touring car, yet there are clearly only four seats. Perhaps one is hidden?

Having been restored in the early 1980s, the car looks fantastic. Washingtons are very rare, so there might not come another chance to own one for a very long time. This one is expected to sell for between $80,000-$100,000. For more information click here. And for more on RM at St. John’s, click here.

Update: Sold $71,500.