1924 McFarlan Twin-Valve Six

History

Like many other automakers, the McFarlan Company began in the carriage industry. They got their start in the mid-1850s and produced their first automobile, created by Harry McFarlan in 1909. The reputation grew the following year considerably, as a pair of McFarlans finished the Indianapolis Labor Day races in the top five in both heats.

The McFarlan automobiles were built in limited quantities and were well-built automobiles, focusing on quality and luxury. The coachwork was done by a company that had years' of experience in creating elegant designs.

In 1921, McFarlan introduced an engine of its own design, the Twin-Valve Six. The six-cylinder unit with four valves per cylinder, 18 spark plugs, had pressure lubrication, displaced 573 cubic inches and produced an impressive 120 horsepower. The Twin-Valve six would remain in production until the company's demise in 1928. The production facilities were acquired by Cord Corporation and supplied bodies for Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2010