1915 F.R.P. Series B

The initials of the F.R.P. Company were sourced from its founder, Finley Robertson Porter, a former employee at Mercer who created the T-Head Mercer Raceabout. The Mercer was capable of outpacing cars with engines of twice the cubic displacement, but by 1914, when it was time for an update, Porter did not agree with the direction Mercer was going and resigned from his position.

Striking out on his own, Porter established F.R.P. in Long Island, New York. Three automobiles were built, powered by the Knight engine, and entered in the 1914 edition of the Indianapolis 500. All three examples experienced engine problems prior to the Indy 500 and did not 'toe' the starting line.

The road-going F.R.P. utilized a chassis similar to the Mercer and powered by a single-overhead-camshaft four-cylinder engine offering 100 horsepower. Built in limited quantities, body styles included a tourer and a two-seater.

F.R.P. was in production briefly, from 1914 to 1916. Its factories were taken over by the government to support its involvement with World War I and it is believed that as many as twelve examples were built. Porter went to work for the Division of Aeronautics in Ohio.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2023