1910 PREMIER MODEL 4 40 FIVE PASSENGER TOURING

1910 PREMIER MODEL 4-40 FIVE-PASSENGER TOURING
Bonhams Auction, Amelia Island, Florida 2015
Chassis no. 2725
340ci 4-Cylinder T-Head Engine
40hp
Updraft Carburetor
4-Speed Sliding Gear Transmission
Rear Mechanical Brakes
*High quality 40hp touring car
*Excellent older restoration
*Great Indianapolis brand with racing history
*Highly usable touring car with electric start
*A quintessential brass era touring car
THE PREMIER
Indianapolis, Indiana has always been the heart of American motorsports. Known today for the 500, Indianapolis was home to some of the greatest sporting car manufacturers in America, such as the Stutz and Premier. Like Stutz, Premier used racing to help develop its road cars. Best known for having a sensational air-cooled machine produced for the Vanderbilt Cup Race, the Premier was barred from competition for being 60 pounds overweight. However, they still ran three entries in the 1916 Indianapolis 500, achieving excellent results with their road going cars. Premier also received a perfect score in three consecutive Glidden Reliability tours.
Premier was a technically advanced car from the outset. In an era of single-cylinder planetary-transmission cars, the first Premier model in 1903 featured an over-head valve four-cylinder engine and a sliding gear transmission. Initially favoring air-cooling for its designs, water-cooled engines became available in 1907 and were featured on all models by 1908. By 1910 Premier was a two model line offering a 60hp six-cylinder and a 40hp four. Following the established pattern of high quality motorcars at that time, the 40hp featured a T-head engine, four-speed transmission and a shaft drive rear axle. Offered in just roadster and tourer models, the 40 was priced at $2500.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This excellent example of a 40hp Premier represents the quintessential American brass tourer. It has all the features one expects on a quality brass touring car: attractive open front bodywork, a full complement of polished brass, a two-man top, large wheels, and a hearty T-head engine. With 40hp and light coachwork, one can expect solid performance from this Premier all in a package that is the perfect size for horseless carriage touring.
The restoration on this Premier is particularly noteworthy. Though now several decades old, it is of the highest quality. The upholstery is the correct grained leather with stiff horsehair stuffing, the paint has the proper sheen and color combination and the top material is the correct grained vinyl. This is the type of restoration that ages like an original car.
Mechanically the Premier has been subject to recent servicing, including the fitting of a modern electric starter. This could be easily reversible by a purist, but would be a real benefit for those less enamored with hand cranking a 40hp motor.
High quality brass touring cars are difficult to find on the market today. To find one that has great performance, pedigree, a fine restoration and the good looks this one has would be especially difficult. This Premier represents excellent value for a car of its caliber.
More Info Here: www.bonhams.com/auctions/22530/lot/179/?category=list&length=10&page=19
Robert Myrick Photography