From the beginning an adherent to six-cylinder power, the Chandler Motor Car Company was organized in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1913. Its founder, Frederic C. Chandler, had worked for Lozier and brought with him four other Lozier employees. Successful from the start, the Chandler became, according to historian Beverly Rae Kimes, “among the most highly regarded medium-priced automobiles in America.”

Lozier chief engineer John Perrin had declined to join the exodus, so his understudy, John V. Whitbeck, took charge of designing the new car. The 268.3-cubic-inch L-head six was cast in pairs of three, with integral cylinder heads and fully enclosed valve trains. All ancillaries were driven by “imported silent chains.” The cast-aluminum crankcase was massive but light, so much so that you could “put it under your arm and walk away with it,” according to company ads.

Chandler’s feats were distinguished: A 1915 Chandler made a 2,000-mile trek from Mexico to British Columbia without stopping, and in 1923 Ralph Mulford won the “Climb to the Clouds” hill climb at Mt. Washington, New Hampshire, in one.

The Merrick Auto Museum purchased this Chandler from Patrick Duggan of Engelwood, Colorado, in 1996. Completely restored, it presents very well in medium blue with black fenders. Body-color wood artillery wheels are nicely set off by whitewall tires. The seats are upholstered in pleated black leather. There is a full black canvas touring top and a rear-mounted leather-covered trunk.

Although Chandler sold some 10,000 cars a year during this period, they have become quite scarce over the years. This car represents an uncommon chance to acquire one. Roomy and powerful, it will be ideal for vintage touring.