1914 Metz Model 22

Charles Herman Metz started his career as a bicycle designer and soon built a company of his own, the Charles Herman Metz. Starting his career as a bicycle designer. Among his creations were the 10-person Orient cycle and a motorized tandem, considered the first American motorcycle, in 1897. The following year Metz expanded to motorcar production, but due to disagreements with his investors over control of the company, Metz left the company he had founded.

The Waltham Manufacturing Company fell into financial disarray, and by 1908, Metz had regained control, reorganizing it as the Metz Company. When he took control, Metz found the company in an excessive supply of debt and spare parts. Metz quickly devised a new way to sell cars, as a 'Plan' in which multiple small packages could be successively purchased and assembled into an entire car. The plan worked, and by 1911 he could begin offering factory-built cars.

The most popular offering was the 12-horsepower twin Model 22, introduced in 1912. The Model 22 would continue through 1915, by which time its wheelbase had increased from 90 inches to 96 inches. The engine offered 22 horsepower, and the pricing was approximately $500.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2020