Universal York

After recently posting the article on the 20 horse power York-made Pullman’s win in a 1908 hill climb, I was curious to see what the car looked like.
Click here to read about the hill climb.
The newspaper article didn’t say if the winning auto was a 1907 or 1908 model. Since the race was in early 1908, I went to a 1907 Pullman catalog in the York County Heritage Trust Library/Archives.
The factory turned out three 20 horse power models that year. I’m including illustrations below from the catalog of all three models, along with specs and price. Which do you think beat the competitors up the hill?

“MODEL E, “YORK PULLMAN” 20 H.P. RUNABOUT.
Shaft drive. Progressive sliding gear transmission. Three speeds forward and reverse. New and perfect leather face cone clutch with easy engagement springs. Four cylinders. Water cooled. Five passenger. Ninety-two-inch wheel base. 30×3 1/3 inch tires. Detachable tonneau. Full lamp equipment. Price, $1800.”

“MODEL E, “YORK PULLMAN” 20 H.P. LIGHT TOURING CAR.
Shaft drive. Progressive sliding gear transmission. Three speeds forward and reverse. New and perfect leather face cone clutch with easy engagement springs. Four cylinders. Water cooled. Five passenger. Ninety-two-inch wheel base. 30 x 3 1/2 inch tires. Detachable tonneau. Full lamp equipment. Price $1850.”

“MODEL E, LIMOUSINE.
Suitable for Physicians or Ladies shopping. Same Specifications as Model E. Price $2500.”
I think the Runabout looks the fastest. On the other hand, the Touring Car would probably be heavier and might provide more traction when climbing up a hill. The Limousine just looks too refined to be participating in contests of any kind.
To see authentically restored Pullmans visit York County Heritage Trust’s Agricultural and Industrial Museum at 217 West Princess Street, York, PA. Click here for information on the museum.