Beschreibung:

490ci SOHC Inline 4-Cylinder Engine 50bhp 3-Speed Manual Transmission with Double Chain Drive Front and Rear Semi-Elliptic Rear Springs Rear-Wheel Drum Brakes *Offered from the Don C. Boulton Collection *The superb resurrection of a great Brass Era performance machine *Remarkable 50hp engine with overhead cam and exposed valve gear *Exacting, authentic and correct restoration *An American Brass Era supercar of considerable technical brilliance THE MOTORCAR OFFERED One of four known surviving Matheson automobiles built in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, between 1906 and 1912, this 1907 'Big Four' features a dramatic 50hp four-cylinder engine with a single overhead cam and fully exposed valve gear, creating a marvelous masterpiece of mechanical art that is as fascinating to behold as it is to ride behind. A similar version of this fabulous engine set a speed record at Atlantic City in 1906, carrying seven passengers over a measured mile in 50 seconds. It was in every degree the equal of more famous powerhouses of the period such as Thomas. In the 1970s Mr. Boulton's longtime friend Wayne Leonard bought a Matheson 'Big Four' chassis and engine; Mr. Boulton then acquired, from "Red" Lander, another 'Big Four' chassis, out of California, as the basis for his own car. With the invaluable assistance of his longtime friend Ted Davis patterns and castings were made off the Leonard car's original engine, machined, and put together into a running engine on the bare Boulton chassis by Art Bergstrom and Mr. Boulton's longtime mechanic, Charlie Trotman. Research indicated that Matheson had originally used bodywork by the J.M. Quinby Company of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. Mr. Boulton knew of a Palmer-Singer owned by well-known collector Herb Singe, Sr., of New Jersey, with Quinby coachwork very near the original Matheson design. Accordingly, a trip was made to New Jersey, and exact measurements taken to allow the recreation of an original Quinby body, made by skilled craftsman Stan Francis, on the newly completed Matheson chassis and engine. The result was completed in the late 1980s, to an exacting standard of nearly concours fit, finish, and quality, down to the correct belly pans (an unusual feature, similar to those used by Pierce-Arrow), Solar model 898 headlamps and side lamps, and Neverout acetylene generator. An electric starter has been discreetly added for ease of operation. The Matheson has been occasionally shown over the years, including in 2004 at the Meadowbrook Concours d'Elegance, but has largely been displayed inside the Boulton Collection for the admiration of friends and family. It is offered today with an exhaustive file relating to the restoration, side curtains, a Tonneau cover as well as an original Matheson brochure. This car is the ultimate tribute to Don Boulton's love of the Brass Era automobile, as well as a remarkable piece of advanced engineering art.