1916 Overland Type 75B Touring 

When Claude Cox was in his senior year at Rose Polytechnic Institute, a small private college with a program in engineering, he made a three wheel vehicle for his senior year thesis.  In 1902, Cox met with Charles Minshall, the owner of Standard Wheel Company of Terre Haute, Indiana.  Minshall was interested in building an automobile but didn't know how to build one.  Cox seemed to have the knowledge so Minshall hired him to head Standard Wheels' new automobile department and design the car.  In 1903, Cox designed and built a car with an advanced design at the time. The new car was named the Overland and featured a two-cylinder water-cooled engine that was mounted up front under the hood.  The car also featured a removable switch plug so that it could not be driven without it.

A magnificent machine, despite its cost of approximately $900, twice the cost of a Model T, the Overland was second in sales to only the Model T during the pre-WW1 years.  This 75B Touring car, recently out of long term storage and in barn find condition is patiently waiting for you to breathe new life into its overall solid bones.  With some work this Overland could once again be a shining star of the Brass Era.

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

Exterior
Automobiling was still in its infancy in 1916 with everyone trying their hand at production.  The designers at Overland hit the mark with this Model 75B while maintaining styling of the era but embellishing the car with many luxuries and niceties not found on lesser models.  A simply designed “tub”, this 4-door convertible touring sedan is bathed in faded blue paint but the body presents nicely with little to no invasive rust.  Curvaceous black steel fenders meet with long black running boards which adorn each side of this tub before black steel rear fenders take over to cover the rear wheels.  The hood, its cowling and the radiator and surrounds have been removed leaving the L-head 4 cylinder exposed to the elements.  A massive black vinyl convertible top is on to give passengers shade from the sun and even some protection from an errant storm and is retained with its many straps and support bows.  While appearing mostly intact in our photos, outdoor storage has caused some sagging and bowing of the top assembly that should be fairly easy to rectify.  Out back we see a spare tire holder mounted to the rear of the car and rounding out this beautiful design are blue painted 31-inch wooden spoke wheels up front and 14-inch modern steel wheels on the rear.

Interior
A once restored interior with saddle vinyl in a broad tuck and roll pattern in very good condition covers the benches and more saddle vinyl with custom stitching makes up the door panels.  A wonderful black steel dash holds the ignition system and very little else.  A long black column is finished off with the remains of a once restored stained oak steering wheel having various slide controls within.  Basic brown indoor/outdoor flooring is upfront, and in the rear we see spare 31-inch wood wheels for the rear of the car. 

Drivetrain
Featuring 153.4ci 4-cylinder L-head engine that features a 1bbl carburetor on the side.  This engine has been exposed to the elements and is currently locked up.  Attached to the back is a selective sliding gear 3-speed manual transmission and way in the back a modern rear axle has been installed so the car can be rolled around. 

Undercarriage
Leaf spring suspension keeps things off the ground and this tourer was originally equipped with mechanical rear drum brakes.  

Drive-Ability
As previously mentioned, the engine is locked up from sitting and will need major work to have it running again.

A breath of fresh air in the Brass Era world of cars and a rare bird to boot, one can only surmise how many are left both restored or in comparable condition.  More expensive than its closest competitor but with much more luxury and a bit easier to drive.  Turn some wrenches and put your fabricating hat on and be the only one in your area to parade up and down Main Street in this Tourer and be prepared to be the talk of the town.

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.