1923 Columbia Heavy Six Tourer
 
During the early days of motoring, the brand Columbia was attached to no fewer than nine separate brands of American vehicles. One of the better remembered ‘Columbia’s’ were the electric (yes electric) vehicles built between 1897 and 1913 in Connecticut. Though this Columbia shares its name, this is not one of those or event related.
 
Formed in 1916, Columbia Motors Company was founded by J.G. Bayerline, Walter L. Day, and T.S. Bollinger of whom left the King Motor Car Company and were joined by William E. Metzger (one of the founders of the E-M- F) and A.T, O’Connor formerly of Olds Motor Works. Bayerline was appointed as company president with Metzger as vice president.
 
Soon after formation, the Columbia Six debuted as an assembled car (no need for coach builders to build the body separately) with options between 4 & 5 seat Tourers, Sedans and Coupes (also known as Light or Heavy Six’s).
 
All Columbia Six’s featured 223.9 ci (3.7 Litre) Continental engines, Timken axles and roller bearings, Detroit Self-lubricating springs, Warner transmissions with Borg & Beck clutches, Durston steering gears, Stromberg carburettors and Harrisons radiators.
 
Perhaps the most unique feature of the Columbia Six’s was it’s “motor temperature control” which was a thermostat placed just above the fan that automatically opened the radiator shutters as the temperature increased. The Columbia was most likely one of the first Marques to use this pioneering feature.
 
With a production of nearly 6,000 cars in 1923, the partners became optimistic and bought the neighbouring Liberty Motor Car Company however within a year, both firms were out of business.
 
A total of just 24,517 Columbia Six’s were produced with less than 20 (if that) surviving to this day.
 
This Columbia Heavy Six model is quite possibly the only surviving example left after a rigorous search by one of the long-time previous owners of the car – Keith Potter - whom owned it for over 40 years. Keith was able to track down 11 other (light six) models around the globe during this time. Purchased in 1966 as a totally dismantled and “in very bad condition” by Keith, the Columbia underwent a full lengthy restoration (unknown when started) until it’s completion around 2006.
 
It features it’s original (as far as we can surmise) engine, transmission and drive line as well as (refurbished) wooden wheels that contrast very nicely with the Blue body, black guards/running boards. During the restoration, the interior was trimmed in high quality red leather as well.
 
Since it’s restoration, the Columbia has been used on many outings in NSW and VIC - subsequent owners to Keith – and still presents in good condition attracting a lot of attention from onlookers.
 
If you are in the market for a rare American piece of automotive history, this Columbia Heavy Six would make a fine addition to any collection.
 
Sold as is.
 
Walk Around Video (coming soon)