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| Roamer Four-Passenger Sport Touring 1918 |
The Kalamazoo, Michigan–built Roamer was named for a racehorse, but it aspired to be a Rolls-Royce. A collaboration of New York electric-car distributor Cloyd Kenworthy and automakers Karl H. Martin and Albert C. Barley, its moniker had been suggested, it is said, by Barley’s chauffeur. Roamer, the horse, had been the American Horse of the Year in 1914, managing 39 wins over his seven-year career.
Roamer the car bowed in the autumn of 1916, built by Barley’s reorganized Barley Motor Car Company in the old Michigan Buggy Company factory at Kalamazoo, Michigan. In addition to its sporting name, the car was distinguished by its imitation of Rolls-Royce’s styling, something that was unabashed and deliberate. The radiator was a near-copy of the Rolls-Royce’s Parthenon style, and the nameplate, displayed as “RoameR,” made it clear that it was not accidental.
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| Roamer Four-Passenger Sport Touring 1918 |
World War I initially constricted Roamer production, and as the war ended, Kenworthy and Martin left to build namesake cars of their own. Roamer grew, with output nearing 1,500 cars for 1918. Production continued through 1929, with small-volume manufacturing allowing much attention to individual customer preferences, something necessary for those who could afford a Roamer’s $4,000 list price. Satisfied customers reportedly included the film stars Mary Pickford and Buster Keaton
The Model C-5-4 Sport Touring presented here, powered by a 54-horsepower Continental L-head six-cylinder engine, was restored by the late Tom Carrig of Wapakoneta, Ohio, from what is reported to have been a good original example. Mr. Carrig was a well-known craftsman, noted as a restorer of brass lighting, and his work throughout this car remains excellent today.
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| Roamer Four-Passenger Sport Touring 1918 |
It presents stunningly in white, accented by red wire-spoke wheels and whitewall tires. The “RoameR” radiator stands proudly at the front. A pleated red leather interior complements the wheels, and the wood dashboard gives an upscale feeling. The black canvas top is piped delicately in red, and a rear-mounted luggage rack holds a black leather-covered trunk. The engine compartment is nicely detailed, the Continental 7N Red Seal six prominently displaying its “RoameR” aluminum water outlet.
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