Description

The Pontiac 12 HP Runabout, produced in 1907, was one of the earliest automobiles manufactured by the Pontiac Spring & Wagon Works, a precursor to the Pontiac brand that would later be established under General Motors. This early model represents the pioneering phase of American automobile manufacturing when companies were transitioning from horse-drawn carriages to motorized vehicles.

Powered by a 12-horsepower, two-cylinder engine, the Pontiac Runabout was capable of reaching modest speeds suitable for the unpaved roads of the era. The engine, mounted at the rear, featured a water-cooling system, and power was delivered to the rear wheels through a two-speed planetary transmission. While simple by modern standards, this setup was reliable and relatively advanced for a vehicle aimed at early automobile buyers.

The Runabout’s design reflected its roots in carriage construction, with a lightweight, open body and a high, upright seating position. It was a two-seater with a minimalistic approach, offering little in the way of comfort or protection from the elements, much like other cars of the period. The car featured wooden wheels, a basic steering wheel, and hand-operated braking mechanisms.

Though short-lived, the Pontiac 12 HP Runabout represents an important chapter in the development of the American automobile industry. The company’s success with this and similar models led to the establishment of the Pontiac brand under General Motors in the 1920s. Today, the Pontiac 12 HP Runabout is a rare collector’s piece, valued as a symbol of the early, formative years of the American automobile.