Chassis: 326
Engine: 309
A High-Quality, Two-Cylinder London-to-Brighton Eligible Motorcar
Documented, Interesting History from New
Preserved as Part of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Collection from 1960 to 2012
Extensively Restored in 2018 by Vintage Car Expert Peter Fawcett
Versatile and Original Convertible “Stanhope” Coachwork with Two- and Four-Passenger Seating
Horizontally Opposed 2-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
7 BHP at 600 RPM
3-Speed Manual Gearbox
2-Wheel Rear Brakes
Front and Rear Live Axles with Full-Elliptical Leaf Springs
Exemplifying one of America’s earliest and most successful marques, this 1903 Stevens-Duryea Model L Runabout remained in Massachusetts at least through 1956, when it was last registered there by Boston resident George E. Felton. According to Mrs. Felton’s account on file, the Stevens-Duryea was nicknamed “Little Violet” and first registered on September 22, 1903, by New Dorchester, Massachusetts resident Dr. Arthur B. Coffin. Assigned registration no. 2747, the Stevens-Duryea was used by the doctor until June 1910, when it was retired from regular use and hung up for storage, suspended by rope from his barn rafters.
On October 24, 1941, Dr. Coffin sold the car to an automobile repairman who briefly used it for advertising. Subsequently, a Boston resident purchased the Runabout and in 1948 the Feltons purchased and restored it. On July 14, 1960, Mrs. Felton sold the prized Stevens-Duryea to the world famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Collection, where it remained in a highly preserved condition until it was deaccessioned in 2012, when the consignor purchased it.
In 2018, the Stevens-Duryea was extensively restored by noted vintage car expert Peter Fawcett. The restoration included an engine rebuild and installation of a new crankshaft, custom-manufactured by an expert machinist. Visually striking and offered in running and driving order, this historic motorcar is capable of accommodating up to four with its versatile folding front bench seat and will serve as a wonderful entry to many worthy events, including the internationally popular annual London-to-Brighton run.
