1922 Rickenbacker Model A

Captain Eddie Rickenbacker, well-known early racer and World War I fighter pilot was the perfect figure to name a new automobile start-up after in the post-war years. The Rickenbacker Motor Company was started in 1921 when a group led by Barney Everitt along with seasoned automakers Walter Flanders and William Metzger began the new venture. Rickenbacker having many other interests at the time was named a Vice-President of the Company and contributed to the sales effort.

A first-year production car for the newly created Rickenbacker company, this beautiful and rare example bedazzles our halls here at Classic Auto Mall. Rare by the known numbers, being there are about 100 left in the world, of which only 24 actually run, and there are only 3 examples from 1922.

Exterior
The roaring 20's were in full swing, with the flapper style, prohibition getting off the ground and designs of the day reflecting this rebellious style. With its simply designed “tub” this 4-door convertible sedan is straight, and paint is maroon on the body which presents nicely. Curvaceous fenders attached to long running boards adorn each side of this tub and are sprayed in black. The long hood in its cowling style is fronted by a black radiator and the custom Rickenbacker radiator cap. 2 simple large can headlights flank the hood, and float above the front fenders. The World War 1 94th squadron flying logo depicting a top hat within a ring is the badging for this car, and all of them are showing well. A large spare tire cover depicts this as well and hangs below the massive convertible tip that has a beautiful tonneau cover. Steel wheels are painted in the body matching maroon and are solid with no openings.

Interior
Also beautifully restored with black leather in a vertical tufted pattern in very good condition covers the benches, and door panels. A wonderful glossy Mahogany dash curves around the front windshield and meets up with more mahogany which frames the tops of all the doors. Simple centered dual oval instrument and lever/knob clusters and a center circular speedometer/odometer all in perfect condition sit behind a Walnut wood steering wheel. Black textured rubber covers the floor upfront, and a cream carpet is seen in the rear, with a footrest peeking up from this rear carpet. This interior is definitely all buttoned up, well done, and in very nicely presenting condition.

Drivetrain
Featuring 218ci L-head six-cylinder that featured a flywheel at either end of the crankshaft; Rickenbacker had first seen this setup used on an aircraft engine during the war. The press reported the feature made the new engine one of the smoothest to be found. This sits in a perfectly restored engine bay, absolutely one of the nicest restorations I've seen come through the doors here at Classic Auto Mall. All correct hoses and wires this engine is in Concours condition.

Undercarriage
A straight total rust-free environment under here with jet black metal, even the wood running boards are stained black and are solid oak with no rot. This car was a pre 4-wheel braked car, only sporting 2 rear drum brakes. All leaf spring suspension, and all amazingly shiny.

Driveability
This is an all functioning car with the consigner driving it right up to our door to drop it off, direct from New Jersey. Great runner, smooth, and a hoot to drive.

A beautifully restored Concours winning its class automobile, and a rare bird to boot, one of 3 remaining from the first year of production which only lasted a mere 5 years. Named for a life well lived flying ace, race car driver, this car reflects that interesting lifestyle, and is so aptly named and badged. Hee Haw!

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 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.