Bunsen Auto Motor Heater Value Guide

The Bunsen Auto Motor Heater is a fascinating relic of early 20th-century motoring, manufactured in Denver, Colorado, to solve cold-start issues in freezing climates. These kerosene-fueled devices were essential tools for drivers in the 1920s and 1930s, designed to sit beneath an engine's oil pan to keep lubricants fluid.

What Is Bunsen Auto Motor Heater Worth?

The typical price range for Bunsen Auto Motor Heater is $45 - $55 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the original paint and the presence of the manufacturer's logo or instructional decals.
• Mechanical integrity of the kerosene burner and whether the brass fittings remain unpolished and original.
• Completeness of the unit, including the original wick assembly and fuel cap which are often missing.
• Rarity of the specific model variant, with well-preserved examples fetching the top end of the $45-$55 price range.

How to Identify Bunsen Auto Motor Heater?

• Look for the 'Bunsen' brand name embossed or stamped on the painted steel or tin body.
• Verify the presence of original brass components, specifically the burner assembly and filler cap.
• Check for the distinctive ventilation holes and the specific handle design used for positioning the unit under a chassis.
• Confirm the construction materials consist of a combination of heavy-gauge painted steel and tin typical of 1920s USA manufacturing.

History of Bunsen Auto Motor Heater

In the early days of motoring, especially during the 1920s and 1930s, automotive technology lacked the modern convenience of efficient engine block heaters. To prevent difficulty starting in freezing temperatures, drivers relied on external heating devices. The Bunsen Auto Motor Heater, manufactured in Denver, Colorado, was a popular kerosene-burning unit designed to be placed beneath the engine oil pan to warm the oil and block, ensuring reliable cold-weather starts. These heaters represent a significant piece of early automotive necessity and ingenuity.