Vehicle Description
1912 Metz Model 22 Roadster Loaded With Accessories! This 1912 Metz
Model 22 roadster is an older and very well preserved restoration
of a complete, authentic and original car. It was likely restored
in the 1960s. Unlike today, it was still commonplace to find good,
solid examples of brass era cars during these early years of the
hobby. Metz introduced its first four-cylinder automobile in 1912
and called it the Model 22, based its horsepower rating. A terrific
�investment at a affordable price!� � Charles Herman Metz was one
of the great, American industrial pioneers of late 19th and early
20th Century. By 1897, he was the founder of the Waltham
Manufacturing Company and was selling over 15,000 bicycles a year.
In 1898, his company began building self-propelled vehicles and
motorcycles. The company continued to evolve and by 1909, Charles
Metz was building automobiles under his own name from a factory in
Waltham, Massachusetts. Initially powered by two-cylinder engines,
Metz introduced its first four-cylinder automobile in 1912 and
called it the Model 22, based its horsepower rating. The car could
be purchased as a kit or as a fully assembled vehicle. Both were
offered only as a roadster and built on a 90" wheelbase chassis.
The fully assembled roadster sold for 495.00 in 1912. This 1912
Metz Model 22 roadster is an older and very well preserved
restoration of a complete, authentic and original car. It was
likely restored in the 1960s. Unlike today, it was still
commonplace to find good, solid examples of brass era cars during
these early years of the hobby. Today, many brass era cars have
been assembled from a variety of new and original parts, however,
this 1912 Metz appears to have always been a complete and well
cared for example. Although its early history is unknown, this Metz
Model 22 roadster spent a good portion of its later years as part
of a�auto museum on the east coast.� Later, it became part of
another well-known, east coast collection of fine brass era
automobiles. The older restoration has since mellowed and the car
now has that charming look that collectors of brass era automobiles
desire. The paint is extremely presentable and shines with an
appropriate soft glow that one would expect from a fifty-year old
paint job. The interior is black leather and has also appropriately
aged itself while still being in very good condition. The bottom
cushion in the Mother-in-Law seat has had repair years ago.�The
folding top assembly is also in good condition and raises and
lowers with ease. The simple body consists of a scuttle cowl, which
flows nicely into a double-bucket seat assembly. This Metz really
resembles a speedster or racer of the 1910 period with its exposed
oval gas tank and rear mounted "mother in law" seat. The long
flowing fenders and short running boards add to the sporty nature
of this early automobile. All of these components appear to be
original and are in solid condition. The steering wheel has
separated over time. The car is well appointed with brass acetylene
headlamps, matching sidelights, a rear mounted taillight, a brass
running board mount carbide generator and bulb horn. All of these
brass accessory items are period correct and in good, original
condition. The original radiator retains its original Metz emblem
as well as a 1950s era car club plaque. Under the hood, this Metz
retains its original, four-cylinder, L-head engine, which is
clearly stamped with the VIN number of 16610 on the aluminum
crankcase. The mono-bloc engine features exposed valves and a
removable cylinder head with the word Metz embossed. A period,
Bosch high-tension magneto supplies the power for the ignition. For
reliable driving, a later Model T Ford carburetor has been fitted.
The engine is coupled to its original friction drive transmission
assembly that is controlled by the vertical lever inside the body.
The friction drive assembly transmits power to a transfer case
assembly, which continues to send the power to the rear wheels via
dual, chain drive. The car still retains its original 30 x 3" wood
wheels with clincher rims and the tires are older reproductions.
All of the mechanical components appear to be in very good
condition and close inspection shows they are free from wear or
damage. When you carefully study these components, it becomes
further evident that this was a low mileage, unworn car prior to
its restoration. Although Metz automobiles were built from 1909
through 1920, it is believe that less than 100 examples exist
today. According to records, about ten, 1912 Model 22 roadsters
have survived. Of those, this example is likely to be one of the
most authentic of the known survivors. This Metz is a sporty and
good-looking brass- era roadster that will certainly make a
statement whether on display at a show or in a collection. Of
course, it will also be a great candidate for Horseless Carriage
Club tours and other brass era motoring events.