The Waltham Manufacturing Company was founded in 1893 by Charles H. Metz. It would become an important company in America; it would build America's first motorcycle and the largest bicycle. The bicycle had ten seats. Metz would remain with the company until 1901. He returned seven years later to a company that was in debt and spiraling out of business. What he did find were a surplus of parts and much potential. To stimulate sales, Metz offered customers a payment and self-assembly plan, allowing customers to gradually purchase their cars. Each of the 'Parts Group' cost $25 and was assembled by the client. In total, the car consisted of fourteen boxes of parts and cost a total of $350. This 'Metz Plan' worked, and by 1909 Waltham's debts were paid off. By 1910, the Metz Two was offered with factory assembly.
By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2008
By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2008
