Classic Car collectors who feel the urge to start their post-Christmas buying early will have an excellent opportunity in the form of a 1906 horseless carriage. Like an unwanted Christmas present it will be sold by New Year's Day.
The fine automobile, classed as a 'Touring Runabout' will be sold at Kaminski Auctions's Pre-New Year's Sale on December 28-29. The Holsman Model 7 high wheeler will be sold on Day Two of the auction, which begins at 5pm in Massachusetts. LiveAuctioneers will provide internet live bidding.
Holsman Automobile Co. was an early automobile manufacturer in Chicago in business from 1901 to 1910. Founder Henry K. Holsman produced a high-wheeler motor buggy for several years. A two-cylinder air-cooled engine powered the Holsman.
 Not suitable for handbrake turns: the Holsman Model 7 Touring Runabout Carriage |
It used a double- roller chain drive to a lay shaft, with a rope drive to the rear wheels. It had no steering wheel. Instead, a single vertical tiller, or joystick, operated the controls.
The Holsman was advertised with the motto: "High Wheels Travel All Roads Because All Roads Are Made To Be Traveled By High Wheels."
High wheels were indeed extremely helpful on poor quality roads.
The body and motor of the Holsman Model 7 in Kaminski's auction are in remarkably good condition. The seat is in need of repair. The rope drive was upgraded with an automatic oiler at the time of manufacture. The paint appears to be original.
"These vehicles very rare and do not come to market often. You can imagine any classic car collector or car museum would love to have one of these remarkable vehicles in their collection," said auctioneer Frank Kaminski.
The Holsman Model 7 high wheeler is estimated to bring $25,000-$35,000.
