Holsman Runabout Highwheeler

Typically American buggy or runabout. Originally a small carriage, but in the early 20th century Harry K. Holsman from Chicago installed a two cylinder engine in it, making him one of the best known manufacturers of the so called highwheelers.

You can still see them in old Westerns, these so called runabouts or buggies, but then with a horse in front. These light carriages with their tall wheels are perfectly suited for driving across the sandy prairies of America. Harry K. Holsman from Chicago starts in 1902 to equip these carriages with a two cylinder boxer engine (cylinders directly opposite each other) and becomes one of the largest manufacturers of this type of car, which is called a highwheeler. Driving is done by pulling the large lever backwards. The belts then tighten, causing the car to start moving. Braking is done by pushing the lever forwards, after which the belts are released and the brake blocks press against the wheels. To reverse, the lever is moved even further forwards so that a drive wheel is pressed against the wheels. The arrival of the cheap and reliable Model T Ford means the end of the highwheelers, which at the start of the 20th century are made by dozens of manufacturers, such as Black, Peets, Dart and Holsman. In 1910 Holsman ceases to exist.