1902 Rambler Runabout

The Thomas B. Jeffery Company manufactured 1500 Rambler cars in 1902, making Rambler the world's second mass produced car behind Oldsmobile, and ahead of Ford.

The 1902 Rambler had a tiller and was right hand drive. The motor was mounted under the chassis, and there are mixed reports in vintage sources about the size of the motor, from 4 HP to 12 HP. The Serial Number Book for U.S. Cars list it as 8.1 HP.

Both of the cars in these two photos have the wood spoke wheels that were available on later 1902 Rambler models.

This Photo was taken in a park in Fort Collins, Colorado. In the car we see Dr. George B. Crissman and his fiancee, Lucille E. Wallace.

1902 Chicago Auto Show

The second annual Chicago Auto Show started March 1, 1902. The show was held March 1 - 8 at the Coliseum in Chicago. Like the NY show in 1900, admission was fifty cents ($13.00 in today's money).

There were 100 vehicles on display, from 36 manufacturers.

One of the popular exhibits was the stationary Race attraction built by Moffett Vehicle Bearing Company of Chicago. Automobiles could be placed on rollers that simulated ordinary roadwork. The large dial in the middle was colorful and showed exact distance traveled by the car.

New York-to-Boston Reliability Run

This 1902 Rambler was photographed in the New York-to-Boston Reliability Run, October 9-15, 1902. Photographed in this 1902 Rambler Runabout, we see Arthur Gardiner and Charles Jeffery.

The Reliability Run was a great way early auto manufacturers had to prove the cars they offered would last. Average speed recorded was 14 miles per hour.

1902 Factory Scene

This photo was taken at the factory in 1902. The wire wheels were still in production in this scene.