Here is a fine example of an early Brass Era Maxwell-Briscoe!
Formed in 1904 by automotive industry pioneers Johnathan Dixon Maxwell and Benjamin Briscoe, the Maxwell Briscoe Motor Company enjoyed a rocket-like ride to success and for a span of almost 20 years was among the major players in the U.S. auto industry before being absorbed by Chrysler. A short two years after putting their first automobile out of their Tarrytown, NY factory the company offered five different models in 1906 and produced a total of 2,450 units making it the fifth largest auto company in the United States.
The rapid growth of the company and customer demand for their vehicles initially caused Maxwell Briscoe to expand production to a facility in Pawtucket, RI and establish a factory in Chicago where Maxwell vehicles were assembled with components shipped from the New York and Rhode Island factories for the Midwest region of the country. In 1907 the company broke ground on what would be at that time the largest automobile factory in the world in the midwestern town of New Castle, IN. That facility continued to be an auto manufacturing plant as a part of Chrysler until it was shuttered in 2002.
For a time, Maxwell was considered one of the elite auto manufacturing companies in the United States, eventually holding a position only topped by General Motors and Ford. It was a combative time in the industry and in order to survive companies would enter into arrangements with other competitors to reduce costs and remain competitive. Maxwell entered into such as arrangement with other companies in 1910 with the formation of the United States Motor Company which was a combine of firms that included the Brush Motor Company headed by Franklin Briscoe, a brother to Benjamin Briscoe. A dispute between financial backers of that organization in 1913 forced the collapse of the combine, with Maxwell being the lone profitable company and the sole survivor. The company reorganized at that time and operated until 1921 when Walter P. Chrysler obtained a controlling interest in the company and eventually phased out the Maxwell name over the next few years as he built the Chrysler brand.
This 1906 Maxwell Model A Runabout was one of the five models offered in that year. Built on the 85-inch wheelbase chassis of the Model H, the Model A was powered by a two-cylinder engine. Maxwell vehicles were also known as the Dr. Maxwell as the brand was marketed heavily to physicians. The two-seat runabout design is consistent with other vehicles from the Brass Era, with pneumatic whitewall tires. This presents as an excellent example of an older restoration and appears to be both complete and correct. There are some paint chips one would expect from a vehicle that has been enjoyed for many years after being restored but we find the pinstriping work to be particularly impressive. The most noticable flaw of this vehicle is the need for new leather straps to hold down the front of the top. The car has been in the portfolio of the present owner for over 16 years and has been stored in a humidity-controlled environment during that time. At some point in the car’s life prior to the present owner it has been issued a vehicle identification number from the State of Indiana. The vehicle bears a radiator plaque claiming to be an AACA National First Place winner in 1978 but we have not as yet established that provenance as correct.
Evergreen Digital Showroom offers this 1906 Maxwell Model A at a price of $35,000 USD. Transportation can be arranged at buyer’s expense. For additional information contact Steve Russell, sales manager, at 417-532-8000.
Evergreen Digital Showroom will gladly entertain reasonable offers on all vehicles we represent. If you would like to make an offer on this vehicle please call sales manager Steve Russell at 417-532-8000 to discuss this further. If you have questions about this specific vehicle, feel free to contact us and we will attempt to provide you with that information.
For a complete listing of all the vehicles evergreen Digital Showroom has for sale, please visit our website at www.evergreendigitalshowroom.com.
NOTICE
Because of the number of vehicles we represent we cannot drive every vehicle for long distances. These vehicles have been part of static displays for long periods of time, in some cases for decades, and are subject to the flaws and imperfections consistent with that. While we do our best to disclose all issues we known about a vehicle in our advertising, these are old cars and something that has always worked in the past might not function properly today. Please check the requirements of your state regarding the licensing and registration of classic vehicles and make sure the vehicle you are looking at meets those if applicable. Unless otherwise noted, all vehicles represented by Evergreen Digital Showroom possess a clean (non-branded) title which will be provided the new buyer when purchase funds clear our financial institution. Virtually all of our vehicles are sold as mileage exempt due to their age. We do not warranty any vehicle, nor any part of the vehicle including air conditioning systems, brake systems, electrical systems and gauges, fuel systems, accessories or powertrain components.
These are old vehicles and it is very common for them to require certain maintenance and upkeep for them to be operational. In many cases issues with leaks may develop when being driven after a long period of not being used. This is common, as classic cars at some point will leak fluids. For this reason, we do not encourage buyers to attempt driving their purchase home as we cannot guarantee functional reliability of these vehicles. We strongly encourage prospective buyers to be sure they are comfortable with these issues before purchasing a classic car.
Descriptions of vehicles represented by Evergreen Digital Showroom are intended to be informational in nature and do not in any way constitute any sort of warranty, expressed or implied. Again, these vehicles are presented “as-is, where-is” without guarantee or warranty. Vehicles manufactured prior to 1981 will likely not be included in the databases of companies such as CarFax and AutoCheck that provide vehicle history information to consumers. If you have specific questions regarding a vehicle we urge you to contact us at 417-532-8000.
