1924 Templar 4-45

The Templar was one of the many companies that put rubber to the road during the pioneering years of the horseless carriage, and during its fleeting seven years of existence, the company experienced its fair share of ups, downs, and everything in between. Founded in 1917, the name 'Templar' was sourced from the Crusades of the Middle Ages, and the Maltese cross was proudly placed on the radiator of the vehicles they produced. Considered an 'assembled' car using components sourced from other companies, the Templar was built by a talented and experienced roster of engineers who had previously worked at Pope Hartford, Stearns, Matheson and Mercer. The engine had a strong resemblance to the L-head Mercer but with overhead valves, a perpendicular drive of the magneto and water pump off the nose of the engine, and extensive use of aluminum.

Along with traditional coachwork like coupes and tourers, the company offered a line of sporty bodywork, including a roadster that was similar to the Stutz Bearcat and a sport tourer that was a twin for Mercer Sporting.

1924 Templar Models

The Templar 4-45, advertised using the slogan, the 'Super Fine Small Car,' was powered by a 197 cubic-inch four-cylinder, overhead valve engine breathing through an Updraft single carburetor and delivering 43 horsepower. It has a three-speed transmission, rear-wheel mechanical brakes, and a 118-inch wheelbase. Body styles included a two-passenger roadster, a four-passenger Sport, a four-passenger Coupe, a sedan, and touring.

The company's six-cylinder model produced 34 horsepower and rested on a 122-inch wheelbase. Prices ranged from $1,950 to $2,600. Body styles included a phaeton, Sport, Brougham, and sedan.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2023