1910 Mitchell-Wisconsin Special Speedster

 

 

This special speedster is said to have been constructed by a brass-era enthusiast over the course of several years before being completed in 2023 and is powered by a 697ci Type L T-head inline-six built by the Wisconsin Motor Manufacturing Company. Based on the chassis of a Mitchell Model S, the car features custom-made speedster bodywork that is finished in red with brass accents. Additional features include a three-speed manual transmission, rear drum brakes, body-color 26” wood-spoke wheels, distributor ignition with two spark plugs per cylinder, a single Stromberg updraft carburetor, an electric starter, and a pair of bucket seats trimmed in gray leather. This Wisconsin- powered Special was purchased by its current owner in April 2024 and is now offered on dealer consignment in Providence, Rhode Island, with transferable New York registration describing it as a 1910 Mitchell.

 

 

Based in Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Motor Manufacturing Company began building internal combustion engines in 1909 for a variety of automotive, heavy-duty, and maritime applications. Wisconsin’s T-head engines were available in both four- and six-cylinder configurations and were utilized by automakers such as Stutz and Pierce-Arrow in the 1910s.

 

 

The frame and bodywork are finished in red with “Wisconsin Special” script on each side of the hood as well as number 10 graphics on the cylindrical fuel tank and the radiator stone guard. Features include a brass radiator shell, acetylene headlights, leather hood straps, a frame-mounted storage box, a Neverout kerosene taillamp, and an exposed exhaust manifold leading to side- exit pipes below the engine bay.

 

 

Red-painted wood-spoke artillery wheels are wrapped in 36×4 Diamond tires, while a pair of spare tires are secured to the rear of the car. Stopping is handled by rear drums with both internally expanding shoes and externally contracting bands. Suspension incorporates solid axle and semi-elliptical leaf springs at front and rear.

 

 

The right-hand-drive cockpit hosts a pair of barrel-back seats trimmed in gray upholstery with nailhead accents. Additional features include brass hardware, black floor trim, hand-operated fuel pump for the passenger and driver, and a Pyrene fire extinguisher.

 

 

The wood-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of a dashboard panel housing a Corbin Brown tachometer, ancillary gauges, a St. Christopher medal, and Wisconsin and Selden Patent badges. Mounted to the driver’s right are a Jos. W. Jones clock and a Jones 60-mph speedometer, the latter of which incorporates a five-digit odometer showing 300 miles.

 

 

The Wisconsin inline-six incorporates three block and head castings housing two cylinders apiece, an aluminum crankcase, side valves driven by dual camshafts, dual coils and a Hentschel distributor firing two spark plugs per cylinder, a single Stromberg updraft carburetor, and an electric starter. The engine is said to have been overhauled during the car’s build with a bore increase from 5.10" to 5.185" for a displacement of 697ci. Work reportedly included turning of the crankshaft, replacement of the babbitt bearings, and the installation of replacement forged pistons and stainless-steel valves.

 

 

Power is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission and a Hele-Shaw clutch. A service is said to have been performed in October 2024.

The car does not have a title, as it is registered in a state that does not issue titles for a vehicle of its age. It is being sold on its registration, which expired in 2021.