c.1903 Knox Model C Runabout
Engine no. 202
157ci Air-Cooled Single Cylinder Engine
Early Ford-Type Carburetor (see text)
10bhp
2-Speed Manual Planetary Transmission
Front and Rear Leaf Spring Suspension
Rear Mechanical Brakes

*Desirable early wire wheel Knox
*High quality car with a great reputation
*Eligible for Veteran car events
*Attractive, high quality period coachwork


THE MODEL C

Knox automobiles were built in Springfield, Massachusetts from 1900 to 1914. Founder Harry A. Knox was inspired to seek an automotive career by his next-door neighbor, the great automotive pioneer J. Frank Duryea—who, with brother Charles, began producing and selling Duryea automobiles in 1895. Knox, a graduate of the Springfield Technical Institute, built several experimental gasoline powered automobiles in the mid-1890s, while employed by the Overman Wheel Company in Chickopee Falls.

In 1898, Harry Knox left Overman Wheel, as that company's management has chosen steam over gasoline to power a planned entry into the horseless carriage market. Returning to Springfield, Knox partnered with E.H. Cutler to manufacture a light three-wheeled car, with single-cylinder engine, based on the Knox-designed Overman gas-powered prototypes. The earliest production Knox three-wheelers were built in the Waltham Watch Company's Springfield factory.

For 1902, four-wheel models were added and both one- and two-cylinder engines were offered. In this period Knox engines were air cooled, causing them to be known as the Waterless Know, while the fact that their cylinder barrels were studded with 2-inch pins, gave them a prickly appearance causing some Knox owners to favor the nickname, 'Old Porcupine,' for their cars. The engine was mounted midships in the chassis and was connected to a 2-speed manual planetary transmission, driving the rear wheels through chains. A tiller provided steering from the car's left-side driving position.

For 1903, just one model was cataloged, the Model C, built on a slightly extended wheelbase over its predecessor of 72 inches. The clever, compact, runabout bodywork was retained, a design that provided the option of an additional two seats which folded out in front of the driver, a style frequently referred to as a 'Stanhope' on other contemporary cars of this era, and could arguably be the original '2+2'. A particularly appealing aspect to Knox coachwork is a molding which follows the contour of the body sides.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Knox identified their vehicles very simply by numbering the base of the 'porcupine' cylinder, and on this car the number is found to be '202'. Of surviving examples, this places the car into the production sequence for 1903. The lovely, radially spoked wire wheels would be phased out for the 1904 year.

The chassis and running gear are correct Knox and little looks to have changed from its factory specification. Currently, the car is running on an early Ford-type carburetor, but the correct Knox carburetor is included with the car.

The coach work, though clearly an original period body, is not the typical stanhope type fitted to Knox automobiles. It is high quality and attractive, with fine upholstery and a nice, latching iron top. It's likely that this original coachwork was sourced from another car during restoration. Either way, it looks at home on the car and is far preferable to a newly made reproduction body.

In a nod toward easy of use, a notable, recently fitted addition is a starter generator system. This belt driven unit starts the car easily and takes the intimidation of hand cranking the big single out of the picture.

Knox made excellent motor cars that enjoy a fine reputation today for their high quality and novel engineering. The straightforward mechanics and lack of water cooling make maintenance and use simple. The big engine provides excellent hill climbing power and the planetary transmission is easy to operate. These single-cylinder cars are quite light and maneuverable, with a good power to weight compared to their twin-cylinder siblings.

A great choice for Veteran car events like the London-to-Brighton Run or Audrain Veteran Car Tour, it will be a welcome addition to any collection.
Lot to be sold without reserve.

Note about Buyer's Premium for this lot:
The final bid (hammer) price of each lot will be subject to a buyer's premium. For MOTOR CAR lots the premium is 12% on the first $250,000 of the bid price and 10% on any amount of the bid price exceeding $250,000.