Vehicle Description
The first decades of the 20th Century were a dynamic and exciting
period in automotive history, one characterized by start-ups,
mergers, acquisitions, and consolidations. In particular, the story
of the Chalmers Motor Car Company provides a fascinating glimpse
into those heady days and includes some of the top executives who
helped shape the early days of Detroit's rise to worldwide "Motor
City" fame. Beginning in 1907, Roy Chapin and Howard Coffin
recruited Hugh Chalmers, a vice president of the National Cash
Register Company to join the Thomas-Detroit Motor Company. Soon,
Chalmers bought out the ownership stake of company president E.R.
Thomas, who continued to produce Thomas motorcars in Buffalo, New
York. Thomas-Detroit then proceeded to market a four-cylinder car
designed by Coffin and a pair of the new cars, now renamed
Chalmers-Detroit, scored a one-two win at the Long Island Jericho
Sweepstakes race in 1908, earning the company a high-profile
competition pedigree. The following year, the three-car "Chalmers
Bluebirds" team proved dominant, scoring four wins, three seconds,
and three thirds in just seven races. The 24-horsepower Model F and
40-horsepower Model E were the initial Chalmers-Detroit models for
1908, superseded in 1909 by the Model 30 on a 110-inch wheelbase
chassis and 112-inch wheelbase Model 40 - both four-cylinder models
and logically named after their factory-rated power output. The
Model 30 was the mainstay Chalmers-Detroit line for 1909-12 with
open body styles only offered for 1909, followed by the addition of
closed models for 1910-12. In addition to its racing successes,
including the 1910 Glidden Trophy, Chalmers-Detroit motorcars were
favored by members of the Vanderbilt and Rockefeller families,
America's Cup sailor John Herreshoff, and engineer Jesse Vincent,
who would soon become Packard's celebrated chief engineer. Despite
popularity, and noted customers during those years, the company
suffered a devastating blow when both Chapin and Coffin left
Chalmers-Detroit to form the Hudson Motor Car Company with backing
from wealthy Detroit merchant J.L. Hudson in 1909. Late in 1910,
"Detroit" was dropped from the name and the company was reorganized
as the Chalmers Motor Car Company. Chalmers continued to build two
sizes of four-cylinder cars and added a 54-hp Six in 1912. Strong
product placements included presentations of Chalmers cars to the
baseball player in each major league with the highest batting
average and the most valuable player, as chosen by sportswriters.
Despite offering quality cars that were well-proven and quite
popular, Chalmers' fortunes suffered like those of many competitors
with cratering sales during the lean WW I years and a difficult
postwar economy. A merger with Maxwell in 1921 seemed promising,
yet soon led to the demise of Chalmers in 1923 and Maxwell in 1924.
However, the elements of the combined enterprise soon provided the
foundation for auto-industry veteran Walter P. Chrysler to
establish and grow his own company, which of course continues
today. Utterly delightful, this sporting 1911 Chalmers Model 30
roadster continues to benefit handsomely from a quality older
restoration. Well detailed all around, it features a nice red and
black color combination and captivating brass accents and
components. Power is delivered by a 226 cubic-inch 'T-head'
inline-four, factory-rated at 30 horsepower with updraft
carburetion and Chalmers' signature "Ram's Horn" curved exhaust
manifold. The engine's exposed valvetrain is yet another
fascinating mechanical feature of this Brass Era roadster. It is a
strong-running and powerful car that is an absolute thrill to
drive, making it an ideal choice for Horseless Carriage Club tours.
According to known history, this example was sold new in Los Gatos,
California, remaining in the possession of the original owners
until 1959. Subsequently owned by a string of passionate vintage
motorcar enthusiasts, it has been restored as needed through the
years, and as offered, it presents in excellent condition with
appealing colors and a pleasing light patina. Excellent brass
details include the Chalmers "30" radiator script, original
Chalmers-branded headlamps, dual cowl-mounted carriage lamps, and a
single carriage-type taillamp, plus the split/folding Brass
windshield frame, irresistible trumpet-style bulb horn, and hub
caps. Other exterior highlights include elegant pinstripe accents
and twin spare tires strapped to the rear of the car. A black
folding top provides characteristically limited weather protection
in 1910s fashion. While indeed showing some signs of touring use,
the passenger compartment remains quite attractive nonetheless with
black diamond-tufted leather seating, black door panels, nice black
flooring, and brass sill plates. Other interior features include a
brass steering column mounting a wood-rimmed steering wheel, brass
control pedals, a brass-accented gearshift quadrant, plus a
floor-mounted, period-type speedometer with brass housing. An
irreplaceable Chalmers Motor Co. cloisonne emblem remains affixed
to the radiator shell, proudly announcing the arrival of this
exceedingly rare and engaging Brass Era roadster wherever it goes.
Having obviously lived a charmed existence, this 1911 Chalmers
Model 30 roadster is very nicely presented and ideal for Horseless
Carriage Club touring events, or simply for unforgettable motoring
enjoyment as desired. As offered, it celebrates the many joys of
Brass Era motoring and simpler times with fascinating heritage to
boot. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details
please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7241-1911-chalmers-30-roadster/
