1902 Haynes-Apperson 12 HP Surrey
- Engine
- Twin-cylinder, over 4.0L
Chassis 74 is a 1902 Haynes-Apperson 12 HP Surrey, one of the earliest practical American production automobiles, built in Kokomo, Indiana, during the brief partnership between inventor Elwood Haynes and the Apperson brothers. Powered by a twin-cylinder engine exceeding four litres, it retains its original 1902 four-clutch gearbox and carries notable historical significance as an early example fitted with a left-hand steering wheel. Authenticated by the Veteran Car Company and the Elwood Haynes Museum, the Surrey has participated in nearly thirty London to Brighton runs.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold £134,550 (≈ $168K)
- 1978 →AuctionBuyer at 1978 Harrah dispersal auctionpartial documentation
Purchased as a restoration project at the sale breaking up the Harrah collection; subsequent ownership in the 1980s is unclear.
- → 1990-04-01Acquisition unknownUnidentified 1980s ownernone documentation
A restoration was completed at some point during this period before the vehicle was brought into the United Kingdom in April 1990.
- 1990-04-01 → 2000Acquisition unknownClive Williamspartial documentation
Noted Veteran Car Club member based in the UK who regularly campaigned the car in London to Brighton events over his decade of ownership.
- 2000 → 2004Private saleRobert Cleminsonpartial documentation
Veteran car specialist and VCC member who acquired the Surrey from Williams and subsequently consigned it to auction.
- 2004 →AuctionCurrent consignorpartial documentation
Active enthusiast and land speed competitor who undertook mechanical improvements including a balanced crank, revised lubrication, upgraded braking, and a rebuilt water tank; participated in close to 30 London to Brighton runs.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownWilliam F. Harrahpartial documentation
Reported as part of Harrah's collection in 1968 per Antique Automobile Club of America records; no acquisition or disposal date given beyond the 1978 auction dispersal.
Competition
- 2024-11-03London to Brighton Veteran Car Run2024 London to Brighton Veteran Car Run
An entry to this specific run, sponsored by RM Sotheby's, is included with the sale of the vehicle.
- —London to Brighton Veteran Car RunLondon to Brighton Veteran Car RunDriver: Clive Williams
Williams entered the car in multiple runs during his ownership from 1990 to 2000.
- —London to Brighton Veteran Car RunLondon to Brighton Veteran Car Run
Current owner has entered and completed the event on nearly 30 occasions; Andy Green has participated as a passenger or co-driver on more than twelve of these runs.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2017InspectionVeteran Car Company
A thorough inspection and historical investigation was conducted by the Veteran Car Company, supported by documentation from the Elwood Haynes Museum, resulting in a comprehensive dating document confirming the car as an interim 1902 example.
- 2023Mechanical
A complete rebuild of the water tank was carried out, and a bespoke quickly-detachable windshield was added to improve usability in adverse weather conditions.
- —Restoration
The car was restored at some point before being imported into the United Kingdom in April 1990; the precise scope and location of this restoration are not recorded.
Restoration occurred during ownership likely in the 1980s, prior to UK import.
- —Engine rebuild
Post-restoration modifications included fitting a new Phoenix balanced crankshaft and custom connecting rods with shell bearings, new pistons, and an additional recirculating oil pump to supplement the original lubrication system.
Timing of this work is described only as occurring in the post-restoration period.
- —Mechanical
The original cast-iron rear brakes were specially machined to accept friction linings, fixings were reinforced, and the original transmission brake was retained, improving stopping performance.
- —MechanicalRodney Fowler
New chain wheels and drive chains were fabricated by specialist Rodney Fowler.
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