Vehicle Description
Harry Mulford Jewett was not a man for sitting idle, waiting for
life to happen around him. A graduate of the University of Notre
Dame with a degree in Civil Engineering, Jewett competed in track,
played varsity baseball, and as a halfback for The Fighting Irish
during his collegiate years, where he scored the team's very first
touchdown. After a successful and lucrative decade-and-a-half in
the coal and mining industries, the Elmira, New York, native turned
his attention-and his wealth-to the auto business, although he was
a newcomer to the industry. According to historian Beverly Rae
Kimes, Jewett took an early test ride in a prototype 25hp,
three-cylinder, two-stroke car designed by Andrew Bachler and
promoted by experienced automobile executive Fred O. Paige.
Although he was later quoted as having a poor opinion of that early
car, Jewett was still committed enough that he made a significant
investment and formed the Paige-Detroit Company with Paige serving
as president. The aptly named Model 1 first appeared in 1909, but
before long, Paige had left the company bearing his name, and
Jewett assumed the helm. Learning his new industry quickly, he
brought in fresh engineers and phased out the two-stroke engine,
although for a short time in late 1910 or early 1911, the
"Challenger" roadster was available with either the two-stroke
triple, or the new 176.7cid four-cylinder engine. Both the
four-stroke four used in the new Model B, and the two-stroke were
rated at 25hp and priced at $800. A substantially more expensive
coupe was offered for $1,250. By 1912, the two-stroke engine was
just a memory, along with the Detroit portion of the company's
original name. This lovely Model B "Challenger" is likely the only
example of the very early, Paige-Detroit four-cylinder model to
survive. The lithe roadster coachwork glows with the warmth that
only comes from many decades of proper care of a beautifully
restored car. The original brass radiator, headlamps, side lamps,
and details compliment the lovely blue body. The fact that this
Model B remained in one collection for roughly six decades surely
contributes to its fine condition. The Paige-Detroit's chassis has
a wheelbase of 90 inches, and the specifications included two
longitudinal leaf springs up front, and a single transverse spring
in the rear. Typically for the era, drum brakes are fitted to the
rear wheels only, and the manual transmission features a cork-lined
clutch. The frame, suspension and wheels are finished in pale
yellow to nicely contrast the blue body, and remain in remarkable
condition thanks to many years of attentive care and enjoyment.
Lift either side of the hood, and the flat-head four appears clean
and very presentable, especially considering the age of the
restoration. The gray painted block, period hose clamps, ignition
wires, and oil can remain as tribute to the quality of this older
restoration. The brown leather of the cockpit also plays nicely
with the blue paint of the body, with details including brown
linoleum floorboards with brass accents. The upholstery is in
excellent order, showing only a light, age appropriate patina.
Instruments and controls are rudimentary, with the hefty wooden
steering wheel the most prominent feature of the cockpit. Although
it was optional when the car was new, this Paige-Detroit sports a
tan canvas top and a temporary canvas front screen for additional
weather protection. When folded, the top rests on the cylindrical
fuel tank located behind the interior. When new, company
advertising celebrated the Model B's advantageous power to weight
ratio of 1 horsepower for every 56 pounds, and its appetite for
climbing hills. This unique and sporty Paige-Detroit is certain to
offer strong performance for such an early, light automobile, and
bring much joy to its next owner. It will surely make an
outstanding entry into the adventurous world of Brass Era touring.
Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7420-1910-paige-detroit-model-b-roadster/
