LocostUSA.com

I was going thru some old family photos and ran across this one circa 1922/1923. The little one there is my dad. I thought the padded top with rear quarter lights was interesting. I've not seen that on any cars of that era before. Wire wheels and side pipes in a early car were high end I think.

What is it? Come on guys. Someone here must know or have an idea. Don't fail me.

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Chuck.

“Any suspension will work if you don’t let it.” - Colin Chapman

Visit my ongoing MGB Rustoration log: over HERE

Or my Wankel powered Locost log : over HERE

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Darned unusual.

Keep in mind, it was not uncommon in that era to order a chassis and have a custom body built. Or to take an existing car and rebody the chassis. Rolls-Royce especially often went through multiple bodies either due to wear or the owner's changing tastes or needs.

I don't think the wire wheels were too unusual (and they could be purchased aftermarket) but the side pipes and padded top are pretty unconventional. The curved bustle seems like a unique feature if it's a stock body.

Also there were hundreds of manufacturers that came and went even before the great consolidation. Some only lasted one or two years.

The shape of the grille reminds me of a Marmon and I found at least one custom one with side pipes although it looked like a higher end model.

Thanks for the input. I've been Google image searching on and off today. As you say, the wire wheels were, if not common, at least available back then. However very few of them had such small hubs and as many thinner wires. Another unique feature is the rounded top of the doors. Lots of details to look for.

It does not appear to be very prestigious car but certainly not a commoner's car.

It may be a custom body. I would be pleasantly surprised if it were.

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Chuck.

“Any suspension will work if you don’t let it.” - Colin Chapman

Visit my ongoing MGB Rustoration log: over HERE

Or my Wankel powered Locost log : over HERE

And don't forget my Cushman Truckster resto Locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=17766

Looks like a Velie
Built from 1909 thru 1928 in Moline Illinois. Built up to 25,000 annually with both 4 and 6 cylinders.
The last few years some models had a Lycoming straight 8.
Davew

I think you may have hit on something with the Velie.

Assuming the rear fenders are original, there are some Velie pics that have that distinctive edge treatment.

Plus, check out these pics of Velies:

Thanks. I think you nailed it. I never heard of a Velie before. I sent the photo to the officers of the Velie Register for confirmation. I will let you know if I get a reply.

I am always amazed at the combined knowledge this board has.

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Chuck.

“Any suspension will work if you don’t let it.” - Colin Chapman

Visit my ongoing MGB Rustoration log: over HERE

Or my Wankel powered Locost log : over HERE

And don't forget my Cushman Truckster resto Locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=17766

Is that short for Velocipede?

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Honey anyone?

Nope. The Velie Motor Vehicle Company was started by the grandson of John Deere and built in Moline IL. Yeah, that John Deere. No relation to Velocipede.

I did get confirmation from one of the officers of the Velie Register that said it looks like a 1918 Velie Sport. He loved the top

According to their website:

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Chuck.

“Any suspension will work if you don’t let it.” - Colin Chapman

Visit my ongoing MGB Rustoration log: over HERE

Or my Wankel powered Locost log : over HERE

And don't forget my Cushman Truckster resto Locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=17766

I believe the roof was done by Big Grampaw Roth, ancestor of the better-known Big Daddy Roth.

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Locost builder and adventurer, and founder (but no longer owner) of Kinetic Vehicles

Pretty cool car for the time. Sporty as all get out. Had to be the only one in town like it.

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Larry in Seattle

Chuck, if the little guy is your father does that mean that the others are relatives too?

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Bill H
Winnipeg, MB, Canada

We have agreement at the Velie Register that it is a Velie Sport which was offered only 2 years. The "Register" noticed the headlight buckets also but allows as it may have been factory special or changed later by the owner. The top was an option and could have been either factory installed or dealer installed. List price in 1918/19 was $1975 (plus options). It was powered by a model 7N , 6-cylinder continental engine. It had a 124” wheelbase.

They asked if I would allow them to publish it in their newsletter. I said OK, of course.

It does look a little like Ed Roth's ancestors had worked in the factory design area, doesn't it?

The little lady in the middle is my grandmother and the other couple is my great grandparents.

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Chuck.

“Any suspension will work if you don’t let it.” - Colin Chapman

Visit my ongoing MGB Rustoration log: over HERE

Or my Wankel powered Locost log : over HERE

And don't forget my Cushman Truckster resto Locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=17766

Cool photo Chuck. You're fortunate to be able to identify all the folks. I have a ton of old pictures (None this cool) and don't have a clue who the people are that are in them.

Finding about the car must have been fun.

Cheers!

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Larry in Seattle