1908 Rainier Model D 40/50HP

1908 Rainier Model D 40/50HP Seven-Passenger Touring Car

The Rainier Car Company was founded by its namesake, John T Rainier, and began producing cars in Flushing, New York in 1905. One of many pioneering motor manufacturers of the day, Rainier preferred to focus on quality over quantity with an eye on performance. Indeed, the first 22/28hp model would prove to be an excellent all-round competition car.

In 1907, Rainier relocated to Saginaw, Michigan to produce his fourth car, the Model D. This would prove to be his zenith as an independent, the new car being of considerable stature with a 6,759cc four-cylinder 50hp engine; a 'make and break' ignition system; and a four-speed transmission with overdrive on top gear. At prices approaching $6,000, they were affordable only by the wealthy elite, but so confident was Rainier that he marketed them as economical in one respect, offering a 'guarantee of a year's use without repair expenses'. For this price his clientele received a machine of undeniable quality that featured copious use of nickel steel, including for its pressed chassis frame.

Its large powerful engine enabled the 40/50hp Rainier to achieve some successes in competition. Rainier driver Louis Disbrow won the 200-mile Atlanta Cup and, proving their stamina, came in 2nd in a 24-hour race at Brighton Beach in 1909, ahead of such luminaries as Ralph de Palma in a FIAT and Ralph Mulford in a Lozier.

Rainier delivered some 300 automobiles in 1908 but ran out of cash and was declared bankrupt in November of that year. Clearly Rainier must have been on the right track as his cars caught the attention of William Durant and his General Motors Corporation, which acquired the business in May 1909 with the intent of using the brand as their top-of-the-line automobile. That venture lasted only to the end of 1911.

Descriptions & Pictures by bonhams