š Made in America, Running Strong: Meet the 1912 Overland Touring Car at Beckman Mill
By One Toad Photography
Nestled beside the hum of Raccoon Creek and the rhythmic churn of Beckman Millās waterwheel sits a gleaming relic of early American automotive ambition: a 1912 Overland Touring Car. And yesāit runs.
This century-old machine isnāt just a museum piece. Itās a living, rolling testament to the grit, innovation, and charm of the Overland Automobile Company, one of the earliest mass producers of cars in the United States.
š ļø Born in the Brass Era
The Overland story begins in 1903, when Claude E. Cox, a recent engineering graduate, built a gasoline runabout in Terre Haute, Indiana. Backed by the Standard Wheel Company, Coxās design was ahead of its time: water-cooled engine, jump-spark ignition, and a two-speed planetary transmission operated by foot pedal.
By 1908, the company was in financial troubleāuntil a bold car dealer named John North Willys stepped in. He had placed a massive order for Overlands and, finding the company near collapse, bought it outright. Under Willysā leadership, production skyrocketed from 465 cars in 1908 to nearly 5,000 in 1909.
š The 1912 Overland Model 59
The car featured at Beckman Mill is a 1912 Overland Model 59 Touring Car, powered by a 30-horsepower four-cylinder engine. It was part of a lineup that helped Overland become the second-largest car manufacturer in the U.S., trailing only Ford.
Fun fact: In 1912, Overland sold more than 26,000 vehicles, and their cars were known for being stylish, reliable, and affordableāpriced around $900 to $1,500, depending on the model. But, at $900, in 1912, that was substantially more than the Ford
š§ Where Are They Now?
The Overland name faded from the spotlight in 1926, when it was absorbed into the Willys-Overland brand and later evolved into the Willys Whippet. But the legacy lives on: the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland trim introduced in 2002 pays homage to this pioneering brand.
And the Beckman Millās 1912 Overland? Itās not just parkedāitās preserved, maintained, and occasionally fired up for events. Itās a rare survivor of a golden age when cars were crafted with brass, leather, and bold ambition.
šø Why It Belongs in the Frame
For photographers, the Overland is a dream subject. Its spoke wheels, button-tucked upholstery, and manual folding top evoke a time when driving was an adventure and every car was a statement. Against the rustic backdrop of Beckman Mill, itās a visual symphony of history, craftsmanship, and Americana.
Want to see it in person?
Visit Beckman Mill County Park in Beloit, WIāopen weekends May through October. And if youāre lucky, you might catch the Overland rolling out for a spin.