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 does turn 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 essentially is 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.