1912 Metz Model 22

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.

1912 Metz Model 22

The 1912 Metz Model 22 was powered by a four-cylinder, 177 cubic-inch engine with a one-barrel downdraught carburetor and delivering 22 horsepower. It had a friction drive which used a steel disc rotating in one plane driving 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. Stopping power was by rear-wheel mechanical brakes, and the wheelbase measured 90 inches. The Plan Roadster with seating for two had a base price of $495. The Assembled Roadster was priced at $600.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2008