The Tourist is a relatively unknown marquee, but for a brief period was one of California’s most popular locally built automobiles. The Auto Vehicle Company of Los Angeles was founded in 1902 with annual production from around 15 cars during the first year of production to more than 500 by 1907.

In the early years of automobile production in the United States, most of America’s auto production was concentrated in the Midwest and Northeast, and without efficient national transportation infrastructure, the idea of a locally produced automobile seemed like a good idea. Growth and sales increased for the Tourist from 1902 through 1909; however, by the end of 1909 the Auto Vehicle Company began having trouble receiving vendor supplied parts for the cars and by 1910 decided to sell off the remaining inventory and concentrate on selling other brand automobiles and accessories under the reorganized name of the California Automobile Company.

The Tourist was a typical car for its time in 1907 with a 196 cubic-inch horizontally-opposed 20 HP 2-cylinder engine mounted under the front seat. They also came standard with a five passenger all wood side-entrance touring body with quick detachable rear seat section allowing for a flatbed area. The drive is created from a two-speed planetary gearbox, which sends power to the rear wheels via a chain-driven axle. The two bullet shaped headlights and dual sidelights are of typical material and design for the era powered by acetylene and oil.

This 1907 Tourist Model K Touring was purchased 28 years ago out of Chico California while in boxes. To make storage easier I partially assembled it on a rolling platform to make moving it around the garage easier. This also came in handy when it was moved so that it could be on temporary display at the Nation Automobile Museum in Reno Nevada. The original body and upholstery show all the color and detail used on the Tourist Model K in 1907. This body still shows the maroon body color with pinstriping, while the interior shows the material and design. There are a limited number of these wonderful automobiles known to survive. This is a rare opportunity to own and restore a rare California marquee. This car comes with a collection of photos, pamphlets, and club magazine articles.

More photos upon request.