Lot 242

Hershey 2011

1910 Maxwell Model Q Touring

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$46,200 USD | Sold

United States | Hershey, Pennsylvania

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Chassis No.
1551
Addendum: Please note that despite what the catalogue says, this vehicle does not have an electric start.

22 hp, four-cylinder engine with cylinders cast in pairs, two-speed planetary transmission with shaft drive, half-elliptic front and three-quarter-elliptic rear leaf spring suspension and rear-wheel mechanical brakes. Wheelbase: 93"

- Offered from the Estate of John O’Quinn

- An attractive older restoration

- Handsome brass accoutrements and desirable period features

- One of America’s most successful early marques

In 1903, convinced he was backing the wrong builder in David Dunbar Buick, Benjamin Briscoe, with two-thirds of the $150,000 needed coming from associate J.P. Morgan, decided to build the two-cylinder car created by Jonathan Maxwell. Ten were built in 1904, rising to 823 more in 1905. In 1906, Maxwell won a survey conducted in the Journal of the American Medical Association. It was the car of choice, and Maxwell promptly added a “doctor’s model” based on the specifications requested by physicians making house calls.

Maxwell’s continued popularity resulted in sales reaching approximately 20,500 units and a remarkable third-place industry ranking in 1910, behind Ford and Buick. Despite their relatively modest power output, Maxwell automobiles performed remarkably well in the prestigious Glidden Tours and captured a class win at Mount Washington. The capabilities of Maxwell automobiles were captured on film and shown at nickelodeons to the delight of many, with the cars involved in such outlandish stunts as teeterboard riding, police chases and driving up the steps of large buildings.

This restored example was acquired by the current owner in early 2006 and features such period brass accoutrements as a matched pair of Gray & Davis acetylene headlamps, a matching pair of Westchester Square kerosene side lamps and a polished brass radiator. Other desirable period features include a Stewart speedometer and a Waltham clock. The open touring body is finished in black with red pinstripe accents and mounted on a red chassis with black pinstripes. Other features include tufted tan leather upholstery, a tan top and an electric starter. A delightful pre-WWI Brass Era automobile and a fascinating touchstone to one of America’s most successful early marques, this 1910 Maxwell Model Q Touring is sure to please.