Lot 289
1918 Chevrolet D-Series V-8 Touring
Sold for $46,200
- Chassis no. 25194
55 hp, 288 cu. in. overhead valve V-8 engine, three-speed manual transmission, and mechanical rear-wheel brakes. Wheelbase: 120 in.
• Rare, original Chevrolet V-8
• Single-family ownership from new
• Includes original order sheet, Bill of Sale, and owner’s manual
• Veteran of three Glidden Tours: 1952, 1957, and 1961
• One of 12 known to exist
Remarkably, this 1918 Chevrolet has remained in the same family's ownership throughout its 94-year history. The car was a gift to Elam Becker, of Lititz, Pennsylvania, from his father John Becker. The car is complete, not only with its original order sheet and Bill of Sale, but also with its original owner’s manual. It was purchased on April 18, 1918 from John F. Longenecker, also of Lititz, and an agent for Nash, Studebaker and Chevrolet Autos. The Chevy was given the nickname “Honeymoon Car,” as Becker and his new bride-to-be Grace eloped in the car in 1924 and got married in Washington, DC. In 1928 the car was put into storage in his garage when he purchased his first new car.
Twenty one years later, in 1949, he heard about the emerging antique car hobby and had the car restored. He and his wife showed the car, often dressing in period attire, and won several prizes. They participated in three Glidden Tours, one in 1952, 1957, and 1961. The Beckers, in celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, drove the car to the Hershey Fall Meet in 1974. The car was then passed to Becker’s son Warren and his wife Ruth who continued to enjoy the vintage Chevrolet. The car is complete with a binder that includes additional vintage documents for parts, batteries, and other maintenance, along with photographs taken throughout the car’s 94-year history. Most recently, the car has been displayed in the lobby of the AACA Museum in Hershey as part of its 100 Years of Chevrolet exhibit.
This incredible and historic early Chevrolet has a wonderful patina that is not unlike an original car. With the same family ownership from new and being an example of Chevrolet’s first V-8, this is an important automobile, historically. It will make a spectacular addition to any Chevrolet or early vehicle collection.
• Rare, original Chevrolet V-8
• Single-family ownership from new
• Includes original order sheet, Bill of Sale, and owner’s manual
• Veteran of three Glidden Tours: 1952, 1957, and 1961
• One of 12 known to exist
Remarkably, this 1918 Chevrolet has remained in the same family's ownership throughout its 94-year history. The car was a gift to Elam Becker, of Lititz, Pennsylvania, from his father John Becker. The car is complete, not only with its original order sheet and Bill of Sale, but also with its original owner’s manual. It was purchased on April 18, 1918 from John F. Longenecker, also of Lititz, and an agent for Nash, Studebaker and Chevrolet Autos. The Chevy was given the nickname “Honeymoon Car,” as Becker and his new bride-to-be Grace eloped in the car in 1924 and got married in Washington, DC. In 1928 the car was put into storage in his garage when he purchased his first new car.
Twenty one years later, in 1949, he heard about the emerging antique car hobby and had the car restored. He and his wife showed the car, often dressing in period attire, and won several prizes. They participated in three Glidden Tours, one in 1952, 1957, and 1961. The Beckers, in celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, drove the car to the Hershey Fall Meet in 1974. The car was then passed to Becker’s son Warren and his wife Ruth who continued to enjoy the vintage Chevrolet. The car is complete with a binder that includes additional vintage documents for parts, batteries, and other maintenance, along with photographs taken throughout the car’s 94-year history. Most recently, the car has been displayed in the lobby of the AACA Museum in Hershey as part of its 100 Years of Chevrolet exhibit.
This incredible and historic early Chevrolet has a wonderful patina that is not unlike an original car. With the same family ownership from new and being an example of Chevrolet’s first V-8, this is an important automobile, historically. It will make a spectacular addition to any Chevrolet or early vehicle collection.
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