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 aauto 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.