1909 Packard Runabout

Posted on August 26, 2021 by classiccarweekly

1909 Packard Model 18 Runabout

Offered by Worldwide Auctioneers | Auburn, Indiana | September 3-4, 2021

Packard’s Model 18 went on sale for 1909 and would remain in production through 1912. Launch-year body styles included a limousine, landaulet, touring, and demi limousine, in addition to the runabout. While Packard was known mostly as a luxury car manufacturer, this one has a twinge of sportiness.

It’s powered by a 5.3-liter inline-four rated at 18 horsepower. The two-seat body is finished in white, with a matching fuel tank, trunk, wheels, and tires. It’s a lot of white. I can’t imagine it was ever this clean back in the day.

Only 802 Packards were produced for 1909, and this is said to be one of a dozen Model 18s known to exist across all model years and body styles. It would’ve cost $3,200 when new and will sell at no reserve for much more next month. Click here for more info and here for more from this sale.

Update: Sold $102,150.

Edsel Ford Speedster

Posted on February 9, 2016 by classiccarweekly

1932 Ford Model 18 Edsel Ford Speedster

Offered by RM Sotheby’s | Amelia Island, Florida | March 12, 2016

Photo – RM Sotheby’s

The Ford Model A went out of production after 1931 and the ’32 Fords carried either the Model 18 or Model B moniker. The Model 18 was a 1932-only model that would give way to the Model 40 for 1933. This Model 18 carries a 3.6-liter V-8 making 85 horsepower.

Edsel Ford was Henry’s son and he ran FoMoCo until he died in 1943. While Henry was a penny-pincher, Edsel liked style and design (see: the Lincoln-Zephyr). Edsel opened Ford’s first styling department in 1935 and it was headed by Bob Gregorie. Gregorie, who used to work for Harley Earl and Brewster, first worked with Edsel a few years earlier when they co-designed a Speedster – this car.

It’s an aluminium-bodied boattail speedster that Edsel had modeled after European sports cars of the day. But it wasn’t racy enough, so he sold it and they built another one. This car was wrecked long ago and for a long time, thought lost. Someone in Connecticut had it for 50 years before they figured out what it was.

The current owner acquired it and restored it to how it looked when it was first built, matching the color to an original spot of paint found on some of the original body panels. Three custom Speedsters were built by Edsel and Gregorie. This was the first. The second is on display at the Ford property in Grosse Pointe and the third remains missing. This is the only one you’ll ever be able to buy. Good luck, the price should skyrocket quickly. Click here for more info and here for more from this sale.

Update: Sold $770,000.

1903 Thomas

Posted on February 25, 2015 by classiccarweekly

1903 Thomas Model 18 Tonneau

Offered by Bonhams | Amelia Island, Florida | March 12, 2015

Photo – Bonhams

Edwin Ross Thomas and this E.R. Thomas Motor Company began producing automobiles in 1903 after years of engine and motorized bicycle sales. This is the same company that would became famous for the Thomas Flyer – one of America’s most famous automobiles because of its 1908 New York to Paris Race win.

This 1903 Model 18 is one of two models produced by Thomas in 1903. The cars were more or less identical except in trim, and this was the more expensive model and it was only offered in this body style. The engine is an eight horsepower single-cylinder.

This car sports a fresh restoration and its French-style body rides on glorious white tires (a ClassicCarWeekly.net fave!). We aren’t sure how many of these are left, but it can’t be many. Check out more from Bonhams here and see more from this sale here.

Update: Not sold.