1910 Knox Type O 5-PASSENGER TOURING

1910 Knox Type O 5-PASSENGER TOURING
Chassis no. CA972059
373ci Four-cylinder overhead valve engine
Stromberg updraft Carburetor
45bhp
3-Speed Manual Sliding Gear Transmission
Semi Elliptic Leaf Springs with Front and Rear Beam Axles
Rear Mechanical Brakes

*High quality and important American Marque
*Large overhead valve engine
*Exhibited at the Pebble Beach Concours D'elegance
*Fresh, high quality restoration

THE KNOX TWIN

Harry Knox entered the car business att the persuasion of his neighbor J. Frank Duryea. In 1895 Knox a graduate of the Springfield Technical Institute he took a position at the Overman Wheel Company in Chicopee Falls MA. There Knox constructed three experimental gasoline automobiles. Overman thought the future was in steam and Knox departed in 1898. In Springfield Massachusetts Knox partnered with EH Cutler to found the Knox Automobile Company. The first Knox product was a three-wheeled runabout of which they built about 100 in 1900. Demand increased and a more conventional four-wheel car was introduced in 1902. Early Knox automobiles were air cooled with hundreds of spikes jutting from the cylinders and marketed as "The Waterless Knox". The Knox cars were always built to the highest standards and appealed to a high-end market.

Harry Knox parted way with his company in 19o4 and by 1906 a more conventional four-cylinder car was in production. In 1908 a well-engineered water cooled four was introduced featuring the innovative use of overhead-valves for both intake and exhaust. By 1910 the Knox four would feature a full five-inch cylinder bore coupled to a short 4 ¾ stroke to produce a remarkably "revy" engine for the time. The chain drive was discarded in favor of the quiet and modern shaft drive system. This new model was well received but carried a hefty price between $2900 and $6000 depending on coachwork.

The New model was rated at a taxable 40hp but thanks to its innovative valve train it rated quite a bit higher. The power was run through a finely engineered aluminum cased, three-speed transmission. Overall the car struck an excellent balance of great performance in a good size and manageable car.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This fine example of a four-cylinder Knox is one of the handful of survivors of this storied brand. Beautifully restored to a high standard by Dave Lewis in Springfield Illinois. The restoration was begun in 2006 and completed in 2011 an extensive file of photos and paperwork document this nut and bolt restoration. Upon completion, the Knox was invited to be exhibited at the famed Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Its presentation is what one would expect for a car featured at the world's most prestigious concours, in and out this Knox is beautifully presented.

Finished in a striking red over tan livery the Knox features an exquisite set of brass lighting and period accessories. A beautiful set of Rushmore Searchlight headlights are complete with a correct Rushmore acetylene generator. An equally impressive side light set frame the fire wall along with a period pedometer and both bulb and electric horns. Opening the hood reveals the wonderfully detailed engine displaying the trademark overhead valve train. Important details like the battery ignition timer are all present. The interior is fully button tufted leather in its correct pattern and finely executed. The "Bow Legged" top bows feature the correct handstitched leather coverings. The lovely dash is the correct paneled wood construction and has the proper Connecticut wooden coil box.

Rarely do Knox motorcars of this period come to the market and one in this level of presentation is an extremely rare thing. Knox automobiles have always had a reputation for excellent quality and innovative engineering. There strong performance and reliability has made them a sought after touring car. One would not go wrong with such a fine car that has been so lavishly restored and cared for.