1916 Dort Touring Model 5

The Dort Motor Company was set up and run by Billy Durant and Dallas Dort and evolved from the success of their Flint Road-Cart Company, the largest manufacturer of horse-drawn vehicles in the USA. In 1914, Durant set out to pursue his interests in building motorcars and the Dort Motor Company was started, utilising the same factory as the Flint Road-Cart Company.

The first two models were released in 1915 and 1916, both Tourers equipped with a 4-cylinder, 17hp Lycoming engine, and they quickly built a reputation for reliability. Demand became so strong, around 9,000 cars found homes in its first year, that the company opened an extra factory 60 miles to the south of Flint, adjacent to Detroit at Windsor, in the Canadian province of Ontario. Presumably quality and reliability played a part in the Dort's success as they were never cheap, whereas Ford Model Ts were selling for $440 in 1915, the Dort Sedan was listed at $1,065, the Convertible Sedan at $815, the five-seat Open Tourer at $695, and the Roadster at $695.

This Tourer Model 5 was imported to the UK in 1990 and upon arrival was fully restored to its former glory and enjoyed by the owner's family for fun days out and the occasional wedding where it was well received. Fitted with the ever-reliable four-cylinder, 2.7-litre, L-Head Lycoming mated to a 3-speed crash gearbox, the car is in excellent condition, starting readily on the starting handle and running smoothly. Clearly it has been rebuilt in recent years with some fresh paint and presents really well. The 3-door tourer body features comfortable bench type seats to the front and rear with a large hood that easily unfurls for cover during poor weather.

Bigger and more powerful than UK offerings from the likes of Austin and Wolseley, this Dort is comfortable, practical, rare and an excellent entry into the world of Edwardian motoring.