I was fortunate to purchase Ward Sherwood's remarkably original 1911 Touring car May 19,1911 production #55276.)5 Ward had it for 25 years, and while in his care saw to a Sandy McTavish Rebuild, Frame Straightening, front and rear end rebuilds, a new Dash, muffler wraps and straps, and may other projects which mostly were recorded here.
#55276 was the first automobile in Price County Wisconsin, purchased by a banker who never learned to drive the car.He then sold it to a Mr. Erickson who moved the car to Minnesota and drove it daily until his death in 1924. Mr. Erickson's son took title. Frank was a blacksmith in Phillips, Wisconsin.RL Milliken then purchased the car and in 1954 sold it to Bernard Kleinschmidt in Fondelac. The Kleinschmidt's held the car until 1978. Max Magyar was the next owner 1978 to 1998. Don Lang had the car 1998 to 2001 when Ward acquired it.
Based upon the factory build sheet, the car is mostly correct, missing a kingston 5 ball and dog leg manifold.
I recently completed a rework on the wheels. The wood was solid, just needed some fellow shimming and press fir. I painted them midnight black per most codes published here, and clear coated in a flat clear coat. DIdn't want to wheels to be the only shiny part!
Original interior. 1940's top and paint. All original sheetmetal. A few bumps her and there could tell great stories.
Next project is to check toe in. Seems to wander at 32ish. Also may give the clutch fingers a half turn. And I need to fix a broker speedo cable.
Here is the car
I grew up with early Model T cars. So I am glad to be back!
Don
Spokane, WA
Great looking 11 Don. Very neat having all the ownership history. Hope to see you on tour with it this year.
Ken
What a great car. I'm happy for you.
Rich
Holy crap is that nice! Wish I had one like it.
Very nice. Thanks for sharing the history and pictures.
Don-
I'm glad you are making some headway. Ward is a great guy and he helped me a lot with my restoration of my 1911 based upon the historical information from this car. I didn't realize that this was the car you have. I will have to update my 1911 ownership notes.
: ^ )
Keith
Nice, very nice!
Nice 11 touring, mine is #53244 so yours wasn't too far behind. Still need to research mine but me thinks it was sold new in Nebraska where my grandfather purchased it.
Hello Don. Wow, from a Model F Buick to a Model T. Great car Don, unbelievably original. Good to see an original Wisconsin car. Thank you for posting the photos. 'Our' Buick will be resting this year as I recover from not one, but two bad hips (one already replaced). Anyone have a '14 touring in this condition that they would let go to a new home?.