1907 Jewel Model B 8hp Runabout

Offered by Bonhams | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | October 7, 2013

Jewel was originally known as Jewell – for 1906 only when the car was built in Cleveland, Ohio by the Forest City Motor Co. before they moved to Massillon, Ohio, to secure more funding. When production resumed in 1907, the name was changed to Jewel (with one “L”).

This car is an 8 horsepower model using a two-stroke engine (a 2.1-liter two-cylinder) that was touted as being extremely easy to use and maintain. It cost $400 when new and was well-engineered. Apparently, this little engine is torque-y enough to pop the front wheels off the ground if you launch it hard!

This particular example was in single family ownership for 50 years before Bonhams sold it in 2009. Jewel only built about 1,000 cars before going out of business in 1909 and being reorganized as Croxton-Keeton. This car should sell for between $25,000-$35,000. Click here for more info and here for more from this sale.

Update: Sold $25,300.

1909 Enger Model B High-Wheel Runabout

Offered by RM Sotheby’s | Hershey, Pennsylvania | October 10-11, 2019

Photo Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Frank J. Enger set up shop in Cincinnati in 1909 to build high-wheelers. More traditional touring cars followed in 1910, but the company folded in 1917 after Frank’s suicide in his office. This high-wheeler is from the first year of production.

The Enger high-wheeler was actually a normal car but with big wheels. It’s pretty much the original donk. Three models were offered that year, and the Model B was the least expensive at $1,600. It’s powered by a 14 horsepower flat-twin. This one should bring between $15,000-$25,000. Click here for more info and here for more from this sale. Also, I really want this car.

Update: Sold $45,100.