From Panhard to Circus Wagon: a preview of Hershey

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When you think of the Hershey Fall Meet of the AACA, you immediately think of the RM Sotheby’s auction. This renowned auction house usually makes headlines with record prices for shiny, exclusive cars. But in Hershey, they go back to basics: pure American and European automotive history.

In our newsletter we already shared our favorite listings. Today we’ll highlight a few standouts: the most expensive, the most affordable, the biggest, the smallest – and the quirkiest.

The most expensive: 1908 Panhard et Levassor Type Q

At the dawn of motorsport, Panhard et Levassor played a key role. The French brand competed in Paris–Rouen in 1894 and Paris–Bordeaux–Paris in 1895. After 1900 they shifted focus to luxury cars, but this 1908 Type Q is an exception. Originally delivered in Paris, it soon found its way to Mexico, where Don Pedro Suinaga and driver Augustine Casaux raced it in speed trials. Remarkably, it survived almost intact, was rediscovered in the 1940s, and restored several times since.
With a 10.5-liter four-cylinder and chain drive, it’s a beast of a machine. The estimate of 800,000–1,200,000 USD is no surprise. For our taste the restoration could use a touch more patina – but the future owner will surely know what to do. Otherwise, they can always give us a call.

The most affordable: 1928 Chevrolet National Series AB Coupé

An American icon and the direct rival of the Ford Model A. To this day, enthusiasts are divided into two camps: Ford or Chevrolet. This Coupé appears to be in very good condition, and with an estimate of 10,000–15,000 USD it’s an attractive entry into the prewar world.

The biggest: 1937 White 706 Glacier National Park Tour Bus

14 seats, four doors on one side, a 190-inch (483 cm) wheelbase, and a six-cylinder engine – this White 706 has it all. In the 1930s, these iconic open-air buses carried countless visitors through America’s National Parks.
This example was originally delivered to Yellowstone National Park, later went to a private ranch, and was fully restored by the Historic Flight Foundation in 2011. The estimate of 275,000–325,000 USD makes it a rare opportunity indeed.

The smallest: c. 1902 Automoto Motorized Tricycle

The oldest and the smallest. A familiar face for our team: in 2017 this tricycle was on our stand at Salon Retromobile, still shrouded in mystery. RM Sotheby’s now suggests it was a kit by Automoto, allowing a builder – apparently a certain J. DeFrance – to create a tricycle powered by their engine.
With its sliding pillar suspension, belt drive, and distinctive front water tank (doubling as radiator), it has irresistible charm. Whether you bring it back to life or place it as an eyecatcher in an office – at 15,000–25,000 USD it’s a fascinating project.

The quirkiest: 1922 "Walking Man" Pioneer Circus Wagon

And then this: a nearly 2.5-meter-tall man with an impressive mustache, named Oscar, pulling a circus wagon. Built in 1920 for a Milwaukee brewery, it changed owners – and chassis – several times. This is not about the mechanics, but about the spectacle. A rolling piece of advertising history – and just imagine being stuck in traffic next to this!

Text by Laurens Klein

Details:

• RM Sotheby’s Hershey Auction
• October 8–9, 2025
• The Hershey Lodge
• See all lots >>

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