1916 Premier Model 6-56

The Indianapolis, Indiana-based Premier Motor Manufacturing Company produced automobiles from 1903 through 1926. The cars they produced were often out of financial reach for most consumers. Their cars were attractive and imposing. Their first engine was an air-cooled four-cylinder unit that produced 16 horsepower. Though this may not seem very much, it was for its time and was able to carry the elegant vehicles on the rough roadways that were still in various stages of evolution.

This 1916 Premiere Model 6-56 wears an aluminum body with no external door hinges or handles. There were six body styles to select from, with prices in the mid-$2,000 range. The wheelbase measured 134 inches and was powered by a 56-horsepower engine. The engine had a one-piece aluminum casting with an aluminum crankcase and pistons. The one-piece block was new to the market and there was only one other manufacturer using the design - Haynes. The use of lightweight aluminum made the car rather quick for its day. Another feature was the Cutler-Hammer, an electric push button gear shift mechanism.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2010