1910 Sears Motor Buggy – A Rare, All-Original Piece of American Automotive History
One of the most unique and prized vehicles in our collection at Nostalgia Street Rods is the 1910 Sears Motor Buggy—a true time capsule and a fascinating example of early American innovation in transportation.
Sold through the Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalog in 1910 for just $437, this vehicle was a significant investment at the time, considering the average annual income was only around $1,100. Manufactured by International Harvester for Sears, this car represents one of many surprising products Americans could order directly from a catalog—yes, even a car!
This vintage automobile features a number of rare, original components:
- Solid rubber tires and a spring suspension system (no shock absorbers), giving it a notably rough ride by today’s standards.
- A hand crank starter, offering what we like to call an “early 20th-century upper-body workout.”
- Manual rudder steering—a lever-based steering mechanism predating the modern steering wheel.
- Rear-only mechanical brakes operated by a foot pedal and chain drum system, requiring long stopping distances.
- Functional kerosene parking lamps that could only be used while stationary due to the airflow extinguishing the flame while in motion.
- A chain drive system instead of a traditional drive shaft, which was common in early automobiles.
Interestingly, entry into the car was only from the passenger side due to the placement of the hand clutch, emphasizing just how different driving practices were over a century ago.
Even more impressively, this Sears buggy remains all-original and unrestored, preserving every detail from the era in which it was built. It’s the oldest vehicle in our collection and stands as a rare and complete example of early American automotive engineering.
As one of our most talked-about museum showpieces, the 1910 Sears car is a must-see for vintage car enthusiasts, automotive historians, and anyone who appreciates the roots of American manufacturing.
Visit Nostalgia Street Rods in Las Vegas
Come see this incredible vehicle in person at Nostalgia Street Rods, one of Las Vegas’ most unique classic car museums. Whether you're a car collector, a history buff, or just curious about early 1900s transportation, this rare piece of history is sure to impress.