Number-Crunching the Horseless Carriage

July 1, 1907
Los Angeles

If you ever wondered if the Locomobile or Pope-Hartford got great gas mileage, the answer is no, as shown in the results of the 185-mile Lakeside Endurance Race. In cost and fuel efficiency, the 1907 automobiles were about the equivalent of a 2006 Ford Explorer (MSRP $31,650) or a Range Rover Sport (MSRP $56,085-$69,025).

The car with best gas mileage in the economy competition was the Pope-Hartford, 8½ gallons (21.76 mpg), in the class of touring cars costing $1,501-$3,000 ($30,805.88-$61,570.71 USD 2005).

Next was a Tourist auto, 8¾ gallons (21.14 mpg), competing in the class of touring cars with a price of $1,500 or less.

Another Tourist won in the class for runabouts priced at $1,501-$3,000, 11 1/8 gallons (16.62 mpg).

The winner in the class of touring cars costing more than $3,000 was an American, 11 gallons (16.81 mpg).

The winner in the event for high-powered runabouts was a Simplex roadster, which covered 6 miles in 7:56 minutes, or a little over 47 mph.

Lmharnisch.com

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