1912 Sears Runabout

1912 Sears Runabout

This 1912 Sears Runabout is a largely original example and an incredibly rare find. Black with burgundy seats. At some point in the car's life the motor was replaced as well as the uppostery. It's not currently running as it is just out of long-term storage. Starting in 1896, the first Sears catalogue was published offering a wide variety of products to its mail order customers. The original concept for Sears was to offer a huge selection of products to rural populations but soon became just as popular in big cities. Through the years, the Sears catalogue was the source of products ranging from clothing to toys to household items. Starting in the fall of 1908 the catalogue included, for the first time, an automobile. By 1910 Sears offered 5 different models although they were essentially the same car with different amenities, like fenders, lights, tops, etc. Your Sears Runabout or Motor Buggy could be picked up in Chicago or delivered to your local railroad station. The 1,400 lbs crate would include a semi assembled car. With simple instructions for final assembly all you did was add oil and gasoline to be on the road in your Horseless Carriage. Prices ranged from $370.00 for the no fender or top Motor Runabout and $395.00 for the posh Motor Buggy that came with fenders and a top. For an added $12.00 you could even get Acetylene Lights. The Sears Motor Buggy and Runabout were sold by Sears from 1908 to 1912 making this particular example quite a collectible discovery!