1902 Century Tourist

At the dawn of the automobile industry, horseless carriages were fueled by electricity, steam, or gasoline, and each had advantages and disadvantages. While most manufacturers used only one, the Century Motor Vehicle Company of Syracuse, New York, planned to offer its customers all three of these fuel sources. The company was organized in 1901 and production began early in 1901 with electric and steam cars. By November of that year, more than sixty vehicles had been built, with a few of the steam cars having been exported to England, where they were sold under the name Ophir.

The Tourist of 1902 was the company's first gasoline-powered model. The single-cylinder engine offered seven horsepower and was installed in a 92-inch wheelbase chassis. Attractively priced at $750, the Century Tourist was cheaper than many of the models offered by its competitors, including those from Pope-Hartford and Locomobile.

By the close of 1902, all of the steam-powered Century vehicles had been sold and the model was discontinued. Production of all Century vehicles ceased in 1903, and bankruptcy followed in 1904.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2024

Sold for $38,500 at 2023 RM Sothebys : Hershey.
This 1902 Century Tourist Dos-A-Dos (back-to-back) is powered by a one-cylinder, seven-horsepower engine. It was sold new in Newport, Rhode Island, and by 2018, it had been discovered in a Connecticut carriage house. This Dos-A-Dos is finished in a gloss black wooden body with deep red trim and running gear. The upholstery is black button-tufted leather with the rear seat facing aft. Steering is via a center tiller.

The bodywork was prepped and repainted around 2021, and after a six-month mechanical renovation and test, it was invited to participate in the 2022 Audrain Veteran Car Tour from Newport to Bristol, Rhode Island.

This 1902 Century is one of three known survivors.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2024