Chassis: 447
Engine: 1356
Salesroom Addendum
Please note that a new title has recently been processed and should be available shortly following the auction.
One of a Very Small Number of Surviving Mass Automobiles
Displayed for Many Years in the Ouray County Museum in Colorado
Constructed in France and Bodied in the UK
Presented in White over Red Leather
An Unusual and Sprightly Four-Place Brass Era Automobile
3,260 CC Inline T-Head 4-Cylinder Engine
Single AG Carburetor
Estimated 30 HP
3-Speed Manual Gearbox
2-Wheel Drum Brakes
Front Beam Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
Rear Live Axle with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
Automobiles Mass was founded in 1907 in Courbevoie, Seine, northwest of Paris, and derived its name from the guiding force of the project, Mr. Masser-Horniman, a member of the wealthy Horniman’s Tea producing family of London. An automobile of limited production, the chassis were constructed in France, then many were shipped to London to receive coachwork. Beginning in 1912, the company also sold cars in France under the name Pierron. Engines of diverse displacement were sourced from various vendors, including Aster, De Dion, Gnome, and Ballot. The company ceased operations in 1923.
The Mass presented here is believed to have been built in 1909, judging by the four-cylinder T-head engine with separate cylinder castings. The small anchor logo stamped into numerous brass fittings on the engine suggest Ballot as the manufacturer. Its torpedo-style touring coachwork bears the coachbuilding tag of Shaw Bros. of Sydenham, located south of London – and, incidentally, not far from the site of the Horniman Museum and Gardens, which is still in operation today. The coachwork displays beautiful fit and finish and is outfitted with scores of gleaming brass components and fittings, which make the car all the more striking. Electric cowl lamps augment the headlamps, which are fed by an acetylene-gas generator mounted to the driver’s side running board. With a crank start and hand throttle, the little Ballot-powered torpedo is able to cruise comfortably at 45 mph and can navigate inclines with relative ease. Curiously, the Mass is equipped with a hill-holder skeg for extra safety on unpaved roads.
An article on file, including an archival photo, was recently found which describes the purchase of the Mass, possibly as late as the 1950s from a long-term owner. The car had been stored for many years and it was found to be operational, starting easily thanks to a conscientious gardener who, over the years, would give the engine a crank each time he had occasion to enter the garage. The article concludes with the car being exported to an enthusiastic collector in Ohio. A copy of an old title on file cites ownership by Edyth Cook of Akron, Ohio, who transferred it to Paul Stutler in nearby Mogadore in 1960. Another archival title cites the Mass in the ownership of Benjy Kuehling, in Ouray, Colorado, beginning as late as 1990. Mr. Kuehling was the benefactor of the Ouray County Museum which displayed local curiosities, antique musical instruments, and numerous early cars, along with a particularly impressive collection of gas-fired brass automobile lamps. The current owner, a vintage car devotee of the highest order, acquired the Mass from Mr. Kuehling within the past several years and has made numerous mechanical and cosmetic improvements to its impressive presentation.
Offered with its tan folding top and side curtains, the Mass is beautifully presented. Its tufted red leather complements the coachwork, finished in light tones. The numerous brass components and fittings gleam following hours of dedicated polishing. Today, this charming Mass Torpedo Tourer may well be the sole survivor of its kind and is sure to pique the interest of any Brass Era aficionado.
*Please note that this vehicle is titled 1908.