1912 Metz Model 22 Assembled Roadster

Prior to building automobiles, Charles Metz was a bicycle manufacturer. His Waltham Manufacturing Company in Massachusetts made Orient bicycles. After a dispute with investors, he left his company; eight years later, he re-purchased his company which had fallen into a desperate financial state and had a large inventory of parts on hand. Metz then began selling packages of parts for $25 each, enabling them to build their own cars, one package at a time. This ingenious plan created a steady cash flow, allowing Metz to retire the debts of Waltham Manufacturing and become an auto manufacturer in his own right.

In 1912, Charles Metz introduced a new Model 22, powered by a 22-horsepower four-cylinder engine. It has a simple friction drive transmission found on the earlier vee-twin cars. The friction drive is operated via a steel disc rotating in one plane, which drives a fiber disc operating in a plane 90 degrees to it. The engine turns the steel disc, and the fiber disc turns the drive wheel.

The Model 22 had a 90-inch wheelbase which was kept in the driver's control via a two-wheel mechanical braking system.

This example wears an older restoration that remains in good condition in modern times. It has a monocle windshield, gas lamps, and excellent bright-work.

In 2010, this car was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $200,000-$250,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $189,750 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2010