Jay Leno and appraiser Donald Osborne explore the “Jewels of the Dawn”—three incredible cars from the absolute genesis of motoring, all brought from the Audrain Museum in Newport, Rhode Island. The cars are assessed for which has seen the greatest percentage of appreciation over the last five years.
The rare lineup includes:
1907 Renault Type AI 35/45 HP: A true supercar of its day, this model was purchased by famed auto enthusiast Willie K. Vanderbilt to race on the streets of Newport. Donald notes only four of these cars exist, and this model’s unique configuration (radiator behind the engine) allowed it to reach speeds over 100 MPH. Its history and extreme rarity place its current value at around $4 million.
1907 Ford Model S: The fascinating predecessor to the revolutionary Model T. This car represents Henry Ford’s early struggle against patent holders who wanted to stop the automobile industry. Despite its simplicity, this model has a loyal collector base. Donald notes its usability is a huge draw for events like the Horseless Carriage Club tours.
1902 Winton 24 HP: An advanced American car for its time, featuring a two-cylinder, 24-horsepower engine. The Winton brand was famously responsible for the first U.S. cross-country drive and played a key role in early racing. This model is eligible for the famous London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.
