Established in 1845 by Henry Holmes Babcock, the Babcock Buggy Company of Watertown, New York was a regional carriage builder that successfully transitioned into the burgeoning automobile business, producing cars of its own design from 1909 to 1913.

Around the time that Babcock wound down its automobile production, it returned to the coachbuilding business, creating custom bodies for a variety of dealers and manufacturers. By September 1915, they had received orders for over 1,000 commercial bodies, primarily delivery vans and depot hacks designed for Ford Model T and TT chassis. During WWI, the company devoted its resources to producing ambulance bodies and army stretchers for the war effort, earning a reputation for their superior craftsmanship. Throughout the late-teens and early 1920s, Babcock secured a variety of orders from manufacturers including Dodge, Ford, Franklin, Lincoln, and Wills Sainte Claire, leading the coachbuilder to divide its operations between commercial and "pleasure car" divisions.

This rare Babcock-bodied Dodge Custom Roadster is thought to be the only example of its kind in existence. Built on a 1922 Dodge chassis, this handsome Roadster, with rumble seat and rear-mounted spare, is similar in design to those that Babcock built for Wills Sainte Claire. It differs notably in its lightweight Weymann-type fabric paneling, sporting helmet fenders, and step plates in lieu of full running boards. Reportedly displayed at the 1923 New York Auto Show when new, this car is highly accessorized with period cowl lights, wind wings, taillamp, and Budd Michelin disc wheels wearing Firestone Non-Skid tires.

Acquired by Mark Smith in 2007, the Dodge remains in remarkable unrestored condition, retaining its original fabric bodywork and leather upholstery, with period monograms and porthole-window soft top still intact. This charming Babcock-bodied Roadster is a fantastic time capsule of 1920s motoring as well as a delightful and seldom-seen example of American custom coachwork on a small scale.

*Please note that this Lot, like all vehicles in this Auction, has been in long-term static storage and may not be currently operational. It will require mechanical attention prior to any road use.

Gooding & Company presents and conducts the Estate of Mark Smith Auction under the authority of John J. Rendemonti, Executor of the Estate of Mark J. Smith, duly appointed by the Circuit Court of the State of New Hampshire, Probate Division, Case Number 312-2022-ET-00072. The Estate has compiled available title and/or registration paperwork for the Vehicles offered in the Auction and will provide such paperwork to the Buyer if it is available. However, as set forth more fully in the Conditions of Sale, neither the Estate nor Gooding makes any representation or warranty with respect to any existing certificate of title or registration with regard to any Lot in the Auction. Any Lot may be sold on a Bill of Sale. By participating in this Auction, all bidders and buyers recognize that Estate and Gooding have expressly disclaimed all such warranties concerning the availability or sufficiency of any title or registration documentation.