1909 Peerless
- Engine
- T-head inline-four, 40 hp
A 1909 Peerless with a 40-horsepower T-head four-cylinder engine, believed to be one of only two surviving examples and the sole restored survivor, retaining its original cast aluminium coachwork. First acquired from a Tuxedo Park estate, the car passed to Dr. Stanley Cope, who undertook a personal six-year restoration and won an AACA National First Prize in 1960. Subsequent owners continued touring and maintaining the car, which appeared at the 2013 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$286,000
- → 1954Private salePat Boylepartial documentation
Boyle, of Ridgewood, New Jersey, acquired the car from the Tuxedo Park estate, possibly in the same transaction as a custom-bodied Cord L-29. He served as editor of the Antique Automobile Guide and advertised the vehicle there in May 1954.
- 1954 → 2002Private saleDr. Stanley Copefull documentation
Spent roughly six years personally restoring the vehicle to near-original specification, then continued mechanical and cosmetic upkeep over subsequent decades, including a second restoration in 1978, body refinishing in 1991, and a new top in 1998. Published an article on the car in 1962.
- 2002 → 2020Private saleLes Holdenfull documentation
Believed to be the fourth owner; drove the car extensively including a lengthy tour through the Canadian Rockies. Left detailed typewritten notes and invoices documenting his stewardship. Died in 2020.
- Date unknownTuxedo Park, New York estate ownerpartial documentation
Original or early owner based in Tuxedo Park, New York; vehicle was reportedly chauffeur-driven and accumulated fewer than 15,000 miles.
Competition
- 1960AACA NationalAACA National First PrizeFirst Prize
Award followed a multi-year personal restoration by Dr. Cope; the sole noted deviation from original specification was a replacement driveshaft.
- 20132013 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
Vehicle was displayed by Les Holden at the event.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1961Modification
Hydraulic brakes were installed by Dr. Cope, replacing the original braking system.
Dr. Cope subsequently wrote an article about the car for Antique Automobile magazine in 1962.
- 1978RestorationTom Lester
A second comprehensive restoration was carried out by Tom Lester, incorporating new aluminium pistons, a replacement ring gear and pinion, and a modern magneto.
Undertaken after many years of touring use; the car continued to be regularly driven afterwards.
- 1991Bodywork
The body was refinished.
- 1998Maintenance
A new hood top was fitted.
- —Restoration
Dr. Cope personally restored the car to original specification over approximately six years, with the only deviation being a replacement driveshaft.
Work commenced after purchase from Pat Boyle, likely in the mid-to-late 1950s, and was complete by 1960 when it won an AACA National First Prize.
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