1914 Pathfinder Model 40

Many individuals and companies tried their hand at automobile production in the early 1900s. Many produced adequate vehicles and had the technical knowledge, but often lacked in other areas. In many cases, they lacked a proper salesman, a distribution network, or the financial backing to stay in business. There were problems with retaining workers, having the right workers, or proper facilities. Others found it hard to keep pace with innovation, or the ability to adapt to market changes.

One such company was the Parry Auto Company which entered receivership in December 1910. The company was reorganized as the Motor Car Manufacturing Company. In 1912, came the Motor Car Manufacturing Company introduced the Pathfinder which would remain in production until 1917. The name of the company would not officially be changed to Pathfinder until 1916. Pathfinders were initially powered by a four-cylinder engine and rested within a 118-inch wheelbase platform. By 1916, the engine had gained two additional cylinders and wheelbase lengths now measured either 124 inches or 134 inches. The company even experimented with a V-12 engine named Pathfinder the Great.

The Pathfinder was put through several endurance tests, including a reported 10,000-mile trip around the United States, where it performed admirably. Their demise would come in 1917, partly due to material shortages in the post-World War I era which hindered production.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2019