A partnership between J. Frank Duryea and the J. Stevens Arms and Tool Company, based in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, led to the debut of the Stevens-Duryea in late 1901, a tiller-controlled, 5 hp two-cylinder, three-speed automobile of superior quality. The American automaker developed mid- and high-horsepower four- and six-cylinder cars with coachwork of its own design and construction, which solidified the company’s reputation. Hundreds of hours of hand craftsmanship kept output between 50 and 100 cars per year, and dignified advertising campaigns appealed to the upper class with slogans such as “Built ‘Round a Principle” and “There is No Better Motor Car.”

The 1911 Stevens-Duryea AA Touring car offered here, a 43.8 hp, six-cylinder, five-passenger example, had a lofty list price of $3,600 and was originally finished in the company’s signature shade of English Purple Lake, which it bears today. 1911 marked the final year of crank start as well as the first year of inboard shifting and brake controls and the fitment of front doors for Stevens-Duryea cars. According to its history file, early ownership has been traced to 1932 when it was registered to C. Bradley of San Bernardino, California, before being acquired later in the decade by his nearby neighbor Dr. George Shafer, who was a founding member of the Horseless Carriage Club of America.

As early as 1962, prolific collector Bill Harrah acquired the sporting touring car for his unparalleled collection of historic automobiles. To prepare the Stevens-Duryea for display, a restoration was performed, which included repainting the car in dark blue. In 1983, when the Harrah collection was liquidated, the consignor acquired the car, fitting long-wearing canvas covers over the aged original leather, and enjoyed it for many thousands of miles on vintage events such as the famed HCCA-sponsored Modoc tour.

In about 2009, the owner commissioned the renowned Scott Henningson and his crew in Salinas, California, to perform a concours-level restoration. Upon disassembly, the original paint color was matched, and the original stenciled chassis number was revealed and preserved. With the remnants of the original interior serving as a pattern, the seats and door panels were faithfully copied and are complemented by an expertly trimmed full set of weather equipment.

Upon completion of the mechanical and cosmetic restoration, the Stevens-Duryea made its debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® in August 2011 and was awarded First in Class against formidable competition. Later in the day, the car received the prestigious Ansel Adams Award from a select group of judges as the most desirable touring car on the field. In the years since its big day in Pebble Beach, the owner has continued to enjoy the car, with its rear drum brakes and gas-fired lamps, on Modoc tours which usually cover hundreds of miles of picturesque back roads, over hill and dale – a strong testament to its expert restoration.

Today, the sporting five-passenger antique is a credit to its marque, with its restoration continuing to present well. Now well into its second century of faithful service, it will undoubtedly thrill its next owner, just as its makers intended.