A rare and exciting early brass-era chain drive automobile Owned by just three private families since new Eligible for various preservation class showings and tours Accompanied by a file of invoice records and copies of period Rambler literature and manuals Founded in the late 19th century by Thomas B. Jeffery, Rambler was among Americas earliest and most forward-thinking automobile manufacturers, evolving from a successful bicycle business into a pioneer of reliable motorcars. By 1905, the company had established a reputation for practical innovation, favoring simplicity and durability over excess. The Rambler Type 1 exemplified this philosophy, featuring a compact, well-engineered design suited to the developing road networks of the era. Lightweight and dependable, it appealed to early motorists seeking usability and efficiency, helping solidify Ramblers place as a foundational contributor to the American automobile industry. Owned by just three families from new, this 1905 Rambler Type 1 left the factory on March 8th, 1905, according to the copy of the factory logbook page that accompanies the car. It was sold to John Fodor in Norwalk, Connecticut as his very first new car purchase. He became a very early collector adding several other important brass-era cars to his collection including several Stanley Steamers and a 40-horsepower Midland. Mr. Fodor reportedly never sold a car and retained all of these until his death in the 1960s. He left his family farm and his car collection to his two nephews who kept this Rambler until 1992 when the car was sold by Mark Fodor, the surviving of the two nephews. The car remained in Connecticut and remained completely original with only minor paintwork from new. After servicing, the car sold through a local classic car dealership to Louis Biondi. Mr. Biondi was a fastidious and well-known collector also residing in Connecticut. He owned an array of car dealerships, but his true passion was collecting unique cars. He kept this car serviced and running under his care, often touring it and showing it throughout the years. In 2019, Mr. Biondi passed away and the car was sold by his estate to James Whalen of Oxnard, California, incredibly, only its third private family owner from new. Under its current ownership, this Rambler has been well-maintained and kept operational and with up-to-date maintenance. Recent work includes restoration of two leather cone clutches by Bob Knaack in early 2022 and a new Stuart Laidlaw carburetor air valve also in early 2022. Scott Henningsens machine shop replaced a rod bearing and installed a new hinge pin as well as a host of other maintenance work, keeping the car in touring condition. New tires were also mounted at this time in 2022. A desirable chain-driven car, it is dressed with an appropriate and distinctive number of brass features throughout, which include the unique Solar head lamps and is powered by a 235-cubic-inch horizontally opposed two-cylinder engine paired with a two-speed planetary transmission. Included with this 1905 Rambler is a file of invoice records and a large number of copies of period Rambler literature and manuals. A distinctive and rare pre-WWI chain-drive automobile that has enjoyed the care of a limited roster since new, this 1905 Rambler Type 1 and its charming originality would be a welcome addition to various preservation class shows and tours, as well as a unique and seldom seen addition to ones collection.
