Legacy on Wheels: Replica Build of Adams-Farwell Model 6A
In Dubuque, Iowa, a unique piece of automotive history has been brought back to life. Over a century since it was first imagined, a replica of The Adams Company's 1906 Model 6A Adams-Farwell now stands as a testament to the company's legacy of innovation, craftsmanship, and integrity. Designed by Fay Oliver Farwell in the late 19th century, the automobile made waves in the industry with modern engineering and high-end design, even earning it the praise as "one of the most attractive cars" at the 1905 Chicago Auto Show. With only 52 automobiles produced between 1898 and 1907, the 1906 model is the only one known today, making the replica a rare glimpse into early American automotive engineering.
After suffering from a stroke, The Adams Company team member Steve Hirsch personally took on the challenge of recreating the once-long-lost model as an act of gratitude for the company's support and kindness throughout his recovery. Finding its new home at the Dubuque Art Museum's "Dubuque by Design" exhibition, the Adams Farwell replica symbolizes the company’s longstanding history with the city and its enduring values that still exist today.
Parked in the museum's lobby, the replica showcases its history-making engineering and design. Unlike traditional engines of the era, Farwell's five-cylinder rotary engine achieved a lighter design with fewer moving parts, resulting in improved operation and balance. This engine would later be used in early helicopters. The Model 6A’s unibody construction consolidated body and design into one structure, adding to the vehicle's agility and structural integrity. On the road, the car turned heads with a top speed of 75 mph and a high ground clearance of 15.5 inches. A lever-start mechanism replaced the traditional crank, offering added convenience. For year-round use, the Model 6A came equipped with doors, a canopy top, and a glass windshield.
Replicating the Adams-Farwell Model 6A required the same ingenuity, determination, and craftsmanship embodied by its original maker. Lacking original blueprints, Hirsch used clues from vintage photographs and a single chassis drawing to start piecing together specifications. He sketched a frame from 2-inch square tubing using scale calculations, tracked down compatible parts, and fabricated components from scratch. Sourcing parts became a treasure hunt, finding leaf springs half-buried in a snowy Buena Vista hillside and a front axle in a Dyersville junkyard. A buggy manufacturer provided a custom seat and top that tied the design together.
“I did see some pictures of the way Mr. Farwell designed the steering, and stating that this man was a genius would be putting it mildly.”
- Steve Hirsch, The Adams Company
The process was a masterclass in problem-solving. With limited information on the original car’s steering system, Hirsch devised his own solution using gearboxes, chains, and sprockets to achieve dual steering from the front and rear compartments. Body panels were crafted with tubing, plywood, and sheet metal, while rims, tires, and other hard-to-find details came from specialty replica suppliers. Every detail, from the rebuilt golf cart motor to the eBay-sourced horn and rear light, reflected his commitment to authenticity and precision. The final touches were a family effort, with his wife completing a majority of the painting.
On the day of its debut, the replica was driven to The Adam’s Company Dubuque headquarters and presented to President and CEO Steve Arthur as a heartfelt thank-you to the leadership and team who had supported Hirsch through recovery.
Though the creation and recreation of the Adams-Farwell Model 6A occurred more than a century apart, both reflect the same spirit of innovation, craftsmanship, and integrity that have defined The Adams Company since 1883. Together, they tell a story of values that last, leaving a legacy of progress and unwavering commitment to quality.
To see the 1906 Model 6A Adams-Farwell up close, visit the Dubuque Art Museum’s “Dubuque By Design” exhibit now through February 10, 2025.
