Vehicle Description
1916 Metz Model 25 Touring
The Metz Company was a pioneer brass era automobile maker
established by Charles Herman Metz in Waltham, Massachusetts, from
ca.1908 to 1922. C. H. Metz began in business in 1886 making
bicycle parts, and in 1893 formed the Waltham Manufacturing Company
with Herbert L. Thompson, Elmer G. Howe and Frank L. Howe. Later
the firm developed designs for motorized vehicles. Although Metz
was not the first to offer a kit car, (Dyke and Sears predated Metz
with do-it-your-self high-wheelers), Metz did offer the first known
kit automobile on the installment plan, known as the Metz Plan. The
buyer would buy 14 groups or packages of parts for $27.00 which
would be put together with the plans and tools supplied, or a
factory-assembled automobile could be bought for $600.00. This plan
was in effect until 1911 when it became impractical to compete with
a dealer-supplied model "T" Ford. By 1922, the company was in dire
financial condition and was taken over by the Waltham National
Bank.
Offered for your viewing pleasure and on consignment, this rare
example has been added to the vast inventory of our overstuffed
Hallowed Halls here at Classic Auto Mall. Rare by the numbers
surviving, as somewhere between 36,381 and 40,248 examples were
built of the Model 25, accounting for all body styles, with only a
few being noted online as surviving examples. Touted in its day as
the "A quality car for $600, equipped complete with electric start
and electric lights.". Add into the mix that Metz, for all intents
and purposes, developed the first CVT transmission called the Fibre
Grip Gearless Transmission, talk about being ahead of the
proverbial automotive manufacturing curve.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Exterior
Automobiling was in its growth spurt in the 19-teens with over
485,000 of the world's 606,000 cars having been produced in the
good old US of A. With its simply designed "tub", this 4-door
convertible touring sedan is fairly straight, however the paint is
showing as a faded satin black primer on the body. A few dents,
dings and areas of painted over surface rust are noted throughout.
Curvaceous fenders attached to long running boards and have slight
cracking of the wood, they're called running "boards" for a
reason...but I digress. The long hood in its cowling style is
fronted by a surface rusted radiator surround, faded Metz badging,
and a corroded dogbone radiator cap. 2 simple large tarnished brass
trimmed can headlights flank the grille, and float above the front
fenders. Tan canvas makes up the foldable roof over the passengers
and shows as nearly new without any flaws. In the back, attached to
the body tub, is a single spare tire and a small round tail light
decorates the driver's rear fender. Red trimmed 32" wood spoke
wheels adorn the 4 corners and are shod in like new 32x3.5" Dunlop
rubber.
Interior
Also unrestored, with faded and worn black smooth vinyl covering
the door panels and we note storage pouches on both rear doors. A
worn black vinyl fronted dash curves up to the front windshield and
in front of the driver is a utilitarian speedometer/odometer and
ammeter all in rough but usable condition is sitting behind a thick
rimmed walnut wood steering wheel. Heavily tufted black tuck and
roll leather covers the wrap-around bench seats both front and rear
with the rear of the front seat tub being finished in black. These
seats show heavy wear, weathering and seam splitting at nearly
every turn. Weathered oak planks and black melamine sheeting cover
the floor upfront, and the same is seen in the rear, albeit without
the covering. This interior is definitely complete but ready for a
full on restoration.
Drivetrain
Things were far ahead of their time under the center hinged hood,
featuring a 188.7ci L-head 4 cylinder. This patinaed and rusty mill
is fed by a 1bbl carburetor, and a direct-drive shaft leads
rearward. New ideas were in vogue during the early days of motoring
and Metz was far ahead of its time. In place of a traditional
transmission, or even a planetary style transmission we see a
simple steel disc. A drive wheel, actuated by the shift lever above
is designed to move inward and outward on the friction disc thus
increasing rotational speeds sent to the 4.00 geared rear axle via
the single drive chain. A precursor to the CVT transmissions of
today if you will.
Undercarriage
Heavily surface rusted under here along with lots dust and patina
from age, but overall things remain solid. We do note a small
tear/crack in the frame, however it does not appear to be caused by
invasive rust. This car was a pre 4-wheel braked car, only sporting
mechanical rear drum brakes. All leaf spring suspension is seen and
underneath gives us a clear view of the friction disc and chain
drive mechanisms.
Drive-Ability
Unfortunately this car does not start but doesturn over by hand so
there is some hope.
A barn find automobile from the early days of motoring and a rare
bird to boot. One can only surmise the number of examples left, let
alone ones in this condition. Some TLC is required but in the end,
you will have a Brass Era automobile that essentiallyis the great
great grandpa to modern transmissions of today that will be a
standout at any show.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
