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1912 AC Sociable. Having abandoned plans to produce a 20hp…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Nelson, New Zealand
Date:
14-Sep-2008
Lot No.
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Description:
1912 AC Sociable. Having abandoned plans to produce a 20hp touring car, John Weller turned his not inconsiderable design talents to something more mundane - a three-wheeled commercial delivery vehicle that would suit the needs of his businessman backer, John Portwine. Called the 'Auto-Carrier' this timber-framed device was powered by a single-cylinder, 636cc, air-cooled (by fans) engine mounted beneath the driver's seat and driving the rear wheel, via a two-speed epicyclic gearbox, by chain. Steering was by means of a tiller, with goods carried in a box between the front wheels. Introduced in 1904, the Auto-Carrier was an immediate success, being a quicker and more efficient means of transporting goods around towns and cities than either horses or bicycles. Weller's versatile little commercial vehicle was bought by individual retailers as well as many major chains and department stores, some of which operated fleets of them. A passenger version - the Sociable - arrived in 1907, a second seat replacing the goods box. It was at this time that the name was abbreviated to 'AC' using the Art Nouveau-style lettering forever associated with the marque. A three-seater followed and then the definitive version with side-by-side seating for the driver and a single passenger. Exported widely throughout the British Empire and beyond, the Sociable was for many people their first experience of powered transport. Many private owners entered their Sociables in the popular reliability trials of the day, and one was even timed at 47mph at Brooklands. This example was purchased by the current owner as a collection of parts and restored to concours condition in 1988. Finished in white with red leather upholstery, the vehicle is reported as remaining in very good order and performing very well. A change of carburettor, made in the interests of improved starting, is the only listed deviation from factory specification
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Motor Vehicles: Motor Cars