High wheeler

A high wheeler is a car which uses large diameter wheels that are similar to those used by horse-drawn vehicles.[1] These cars were produced until about 1915,[2] predominantly in the United States.

1909 DeWitt
For the high-wheeled bicycle style, see Penny-farthing.

Design

High wheelers were derived from horse-drawn wagons,[3] and often were conversions of these. Similarly to these wagons, they often feature wood-spoke wheels, suspensions and boxy wooden bodies.

The large-diameter slender wheels were frequently with solid rubber tires, to provide ample ground clearance on the primitive roads of the late 19th century.[3]

These cars were produced in many body styles. The most common were the motorized wagon (utility vehicle)[4][5] runabout, roadster[6][7] and buggy,[8][9] some with detachable tonneaus.

History

Before gasoline engines became widely available, high wheelers were powered by electric motors or steam engines.

The decline of the high wheeler began when standard automobiles became more sophisticated and inexpensive. The end came with the popularity of the Ford Model T.[10] The last high wheelers were built around 1915.[2]

Manufacturers

The following companies produced high-wheeler cars:

* Companies which also produced cars other than high wheelers

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References
  1. Clough, Albert (1913). A Dictionary of Automobile Terms. pp. 161. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  2. "1915 International MA: High-wheeling into history". www.autoweek.com. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  3. Haajanen, Lennart W. (2003). "High-wheeler". Illustrated Dictionary of Automobile Body Styles. Jefferson, NC USA: McFarland. p. 85. ISBN 0-7864-1276-3. LCCN 2002014546.
  4. "Car of the Week: 1910 IHC Auto Wagon". www.oldcarsweekly.com. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  5. "IHC Delivery Car". www.classiccarweekly.net. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  6. "A Pair of Schachts". www.classiccarweekly.net. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  7. "1908 Holsman High-Wheel Runabout". www.classiccarweekly.net. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  8. "Car of the Week: 1908 Sears Motor Buggy". www.oldcarsweekly.com. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  9. "1908 Chicago Motor Buggy Type 112". www.classiccarweekly.net. Retrieved 12 May 2018.
  10. G.N. Georgano, G.N. (1985). Cars: Early and Vintage, 1886–1930. London: Grange-Universal. p. 65. ISBN 1-59084-491-2.

Sources
  • Kimes, Beverly Rae and Clark Jr, Henry Austin. Standard Catalog of American Cars: 1805-1942 (Third Edition). Iola, WI: Krause. 1996. ISBN 0-87341-428-4
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