1927 McFarlan Line-8

McFarlan was best known for its large and expensive 'Twin-Valve Six' cars. The company attempted to capture a share of the growing middle-class market with the 1926 introduction of the straight-eight.

The 1927 McFarlan lineup included the Line-8 and the Twin Valve Six offered in a variety of body styles. The Line 8 rested on a 131-inch wheelbase and came equipped with a 79-horsepower engine. Prices ranged from $2,650 to $4,600. The Twin Valve Six was larger, with a 140-inch wheelbase platform and powered by a 120-horsepower engine. Prices were among the most expensive on the market, ranging from $5,400 to the low $9,000.

McFarlan automobiles were always produced in minimal quantities, with production rarely exceeding 200 units per year. 197 examples were built in 1926, followed by 143 a year later. 1928 was its final year of production, with 175 built. The post-World War I recession, insufficient funds required to create new products to compete with the plethora of vehicles being introduced to the market, and the ill health of Harry McFarlan during the mid-1920s signaled the end for the company. Following the death of McFarlan and Burton Barrows (a long-time associate of Harry McFarlan and general manager of the company since 1924) in 1928, the company was sold to Errett Lobban Cord, who used its factories and dealer network for his new Duesenberg Model J.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2016