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Lot #51 - 1910 KELSEY MOTORETTE

  • Auction House:
    Mossgreen
  • Sale Name:
    The Motorclassica Auction
  • Sale Date:
    14 Oct 2017 ~ 6pm
  • Lot #:
    51
  • Lot Description:
    1910 KELSEY MOTORETTE
    Single family ownership for over 75 years
  • Notes:
    American Cadwallader Washburn Kelsey set out to build a car that was unique and less expensive than the model T Ford, and that he did when he built his Motorette with three wheels, rather than four. The Motorette’s rear wheel was driven by a two-stroke 10bhp, 72 cu. twin-cylinder engine, which was air-cooled on early models and later water-cooled, with the radiator mounted behind the engine. Rather than mixing oil with gasoline, as on later two-stroke engines, the Kelsey’s oil and gasoline were supplied separately, with the oil supplied by a tank in the armrest to a four-way distribution center at the front of the driver’s seat. To keep the three-wheeler stable, Kelsey was the designer of the first anti-sway torsion bars. The car was driven by a two-speed and reverse planetary transmission with chain drive, quarter-elliptic leaf-spring rear suspension, and mechanical brakes on both the driveshaft and rear wheel. To help promote his vehicle, Kelsey was active in early endurance events. He drove an air-cooled model up Mount Washington in New Hampshire. After the car overheated and Kelsey had to spend the night in a halfway house, he changed to a water-cooled engine, but this time with the radiator mounted behind the seat. In 1911, Kelsey's brother-in-law and a mechanic drove a Motorette from the factory in Hartford, Connecticut, across the country, and to San Francisco, CA. It is believed that as little as 210 Kelsey Motorettes’ were produced from 1910 to 1912, including several that were adapted as a delivery cars and motorised rickshaws, with the driver sitting behind. The colourful story of founder 'Carl' Kelsey, which continued through another car company and culminated in the design of the 'Skycar' helicopter in the 1960s when Kelsey himself was in his eighties, only adds to its appeal and the many conversations this veteran car will start. The example on offer here is presented in red livery with a black diamond buttoned leather seat. It is believed to be circa 1910 as the wheels are stamped Kelsey with early wheels made in-house while later models were outsourced along with a dated magneto. The owner has undertaken compressive restoration works since 1990 with the list of works available upon request. This car has spent most of its life in Central NSW. The owner (photographed with the car and his family as a young boy) has grown up with the car in his family for as long as he can remember. It was first owned by his grandfather, passing to his father and onto him in 1990 thus being the third generation of the one family to own it. The owner, now in his late 70s, wants to pass his beloved Motorette over to a new custodian who will use and enjoy it. This is an extremely rare car to appear on the market in Australia and a wonderful opportunity to acquire an American Brass Era veteran vehicle. A file of original documentation and parts will accompany the sale. This vehicle will be sold unregistered
  • Estimate:
    A$28,000 - 34,000
  • Realised Price:
    *****

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  • Category:
    Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.



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