Robert Seabeck (Wyoming, B. 1945) "1903 Model a Roadster" Signed lower left. Original Mixed Media painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Republic of the Marshall Islands 60c 1903 Model A Roadster stamp issued June 4, 1996. In 1903, Ford Motor Company produced its first automobile -- the Model A Roadster. A simple, two-seat runabout with a 72-inch wheelbase, the Model A featured a 100.5-cubic-inch, opposed-twin engine that developed eight horsepower at 1,000 rpm. The Model A sold for $850 and had a planetary transmission with two forward speeds. For $100 more a detachable rear tonneau, with two-person seating and back door access, was included. The Model A had a right-hand steering wheel, as opposed to the tiller used to steer earlier automobiles, including Ford's 1896 Quadricycle. The standard color for the Model A was bright red with black fenders. A small carriage step was used to load passengers into this high profile automobile. The Model A could reach speeds of 30 mph and was proclaimed to be "the most perfect machine on the market." Image Size: 7.75 x 12 in. Overall Size: 15 x 22.5 in. Unframed. (B15398)