Knox automobiles were built in Springfield, MA, from 1900 to 1914. The earliest production Knox three-wheelers were built in the Waltham Watch Company’s Springfield factory.
For 1903, just one model was cataloged, the Model C, built on a wheelbase slightly extended over its predecessor of 72 inches. The clever, compact, runabout bodywork was retained, a design that provided the option of an additional two seats that folded out in front of the driver, a style frequently referred to as a “Stanhope” on other contemporary cars of this era, and could arguably be the original “2+2.” A particularly appealing aspect to Knox coachwork is a molding that follows the contour of the body sides.
Knox identified its vehicles simply by numbering the base of the “porcupine” cylinder, and on this car the number is found to be “202.” Of surviving examples, this places the car into the production sequence for 1903. The lovely, radially spoked wire wheels would be phased out for the 1904 year.
The chassis and running gear are correct Knox and little looks to have changed from its factory specification. Currently, the car is running on an early Ford-type carburetor, but the correct Knox carburetor is included with the car.
The coachwork, though clearly an original period body, is not the typical Stanhope type fitted to Knox automobiles. It is high quality and attractive, with fine upholstery and a nice latching iron top. It’s likely that this original coachwork was sourced from another car during restoration. Either way, it looks at home on the car and is far preferable to a newly made reproduction body.
