When in Reno, visiting the National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection) is a must. It displays automobiles from the 19th century to and throughout the 20th century. Mr Harrah went to great lengths to restore his very unique vehicles to their original state.
This 1892 Philion with a 2 cylinder steam engine was the only one produced. For those of us who remember Red Skeleton, he starred in the 1951 movie Excuse my dust in which this car appeared.
In 1901, De Dion Bouton Moterette Co. sold for 1 500$.
What do you think this 1910 Limited Touring Seven Passenger Oldsmobile sold for originally?
It sold for 4 600$, the equivalent of 120 000$ today.
This 1921 Ford innovation predated the RV craze 😊
Although this 1937 Airomobile was an engineering success and could drive up to 80 mph, it failed to attract financial backing. This was the only one built.
Have you ever heard of the Thomas Flyer? It won the 1908 22 000 mile race between New York and Paris. At times it had to be pulled by horses through mud or snow, but it did win the race. With the help of 40 crafstmen and restoration experts, the vehicle was restored as it was when it finished the race.
The museum also boasts a collection of gas pumps. Initially, the gasoline was sold by general stores and stored in barrels. Can you imagine handling gasoline in an enclosed shop with a wood stove providing winter heat?
By 1920, the first visible pumps were introduced. They were replaced by clock meter pumps in the 1930’s.
Lots 2 See 