1910 EMF Model 30

In 1908, the EMF Company was formed using the initials from the founders - 'E' being Detroit coachbuilder Barney Everitt, 'M' being William Metzger, lately sales manager of Cadillac, and 'F' being Walter Flanders. Walter Flander's resume included working for the Ford Motor Company, where he was a production manager and helped institute the first phase of Henry Ford's mass production plan. EMF was not interested in the low-price market but rather in building a quality, medium-priced car. Their 30 horsepower four-cylinder model was backed by the three-speed sliding-gear rear transaxle and built on a pressed-steel chassis frame.

The E-M-F Model 30 was designed by engineer William Kelly. As is common with new designs, the early models with thermosyphon cooling often overheated. The cars were recalled and the issue was resolved by fitting water pumps.

Production was brief, lasting until 1910 when the company was taken over by Studebaker. This was due to splits and disagreements in the partnership, and litigation with the wagon builder turned automobile manufacturer Studebaker. From that point forward, all EMFs (Everitt-Metzger-Flander) were labeled as Studebakers.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2020