1910 Maxwell Model Q Touring

Jack Benny made the Maxwell a household name when he used Maxwells as a comedic prop on his popular radio and TV shows from the 1930s until the 1960s. He and Maxwell also gained exposure in commercials.

Maxwell was founded by Jonathan D. Maxwell and Benjamin Briscoe, and started production in 1904 (With financial assistance from J.P. Morgan). The first factory was in Tarrytown, N.Y., and rapidly expanded. By 1910 it was number three in sales (behind Ford and Buick), producing 20,500 cars. In 1910 they produced four chassis, the Models AA, Q, E, and G. The Model Q had a 93-inch wheelbase, a four-cylinder 'T' head 22-horsepower engine, and a three-speed transmission. It was offered in three body styles - the Roadster at $900, the Surrey at $950 and the Touring at $1,000. By the late teens, sales had dropped off and they were in debt due to overexpansion. In 1921 Walter P. Chrysler gained a controlling interest in the company by becoming its president. He discontinued the Maxwell in 1925 and formed the Chrysler Corporation.

This Maxwell Q-2 Surrey, the 2 indicating two could sit in the rear seat, has been owned by the current owner for ten years, having purchased it from the three daughters of the previous owner. It had been restored in the 1960s, but it needed a re-restoration which he did with the help of some talented friends. He had already restored his other two Maxwells.

The Model Q-2 was powered by a four-cylinder T-head motor that developed 22 horsepower. It was built on a 93-inch wheelbase chassis. Interestingly, the flywheel is in the front. It has separate intake and exhaust camshafts.

The Maxwell slogan was unique: 'Perfectly Simple. Simply Perfect.'