Alexander Winton was one of America’s earliest and most influential automotive pioneers. By 1898, his Cleveland-based Winton Motor Carriage Company was offering the first series production automobile manufactured in the United States. In 1903, a 20 hp Winton became the first car to complete a transcontinental journey across the US – an extraordinary feat that cemented the marque’s reputation for reliability and endurance. Over the following decade, Winton built some of the most advanced American cars of the Brass Era, including refined six-cylinder models that featured lightweight aluminum construction, four-speed gearboxes, and compressed-air starters.

This 1911 Model 17-B Seven-Passenger Touring possesses exceptional provenance and a significant California pedigree. Sold new to Dr. George C. Pardee, Governor of California from 1903 to 1907, the Winton was delivered to Oakland and remained there for decades. Governor Pardee, a respected physician, conservation advocate, and key figure in the state’s response to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, purchased the Winton to mark his family’s transition from traditional horse-drawn conveyances to the modern automobile. A copy of a California registration document on file indicates the car remained in Pardee’s possession into the early 1920s.

In the early 1940s, this Winton was discovered in remarkably complete, original condition by Horseless Carriage Club of America member Donald Turkletop. Working with fellow enthusiast Frank Cabral, Turkletop performed an early restoration and actively used the car on HCCA events. The Winton later passed to Joe Rugge, also of Oakland, and then joined Bill Harrah’s legendary Reno-based automobile collection.

Between 1956 and 1958, the Winton took part in several landmark Horseless Carriage Club of America tours, including the Feather River, Phoenix– Las Vegas, Yosemite, and famous biennial Reno tours. Participation in these events is commemorated by original tour badges mounted on the dashboard, period photographs, and coverage in The Horseless Carriage Gazette. The Winton was also featured in Harrah’s “Autocard” museum postcard series. In 1986, Stan Lucas acquired the car from the Harrah collection dispersal auction. Having grown up near the Pardee Dam in Clements, California, Lucas felt a personal connection to this Winton, which he proudly displayed at the 1990 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. Approximately 20 years ago, the engine was rebuilt by Walt Matheson using a newly cast crankcase from Winton expert Roger Allison. The damaged original crankcase (no. 10830) is included.

Presented with a comprehensive file of documentation, including its original Harrah’s museum placard and verification certificate, instruction manual, period literature, and photos, this remarkable Winton offers a rare opportunity to acquire a high-quality, Brass Era touring car with ties to early California history and two of America’s most respected collectors.