This rare vintage real photo postcard features two men sitting in an antique convertible car manufactured by the Colby Motor Company. The firm was located in Mason City, Iowa. The company attempted to introduce the concept of sport cars to the American public. They designed an interesting automobile but failed in their attempt to reach American buyers. The company produced their first car in 1911. Their cars sold between 1400 and 1800 dollars. They offered seven different body designs. The car had a powerful 40 horsepower engine on a lightweight chassis. The “semi racing model” was built for sport, speed, and even racing. Not surprisingly, the company quickly got involved with automobile racing, known then as road racing. They hired Indianapolis driver Billy Pierce and Colby cars won several races in his Colby “Red Devil” racing car. It wasn’t long before Pierce was killed in a racing accident while driving that car. Due to financial shenanigans, the company went out of business after just three years. It is speculated that they made about one thousand cars. Today, there is only one known Colby in existence. It can be found at the Kinney Pioneer Museum in Mason City. Note what looks like prize ribbons on the left side of the image in front of the passenger. These ribbons may represent awards won by the Colby car in regard to racing or design. SOLD
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 