Maxwell Model 25 Tourer

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Jonathan Maxwell was a talented automotive engineer, engaged at the dawn of the last century with the Olds concern, helping to develop their excellent Curved Dash Oldsmobile.

One of their main suppliers was owned by the ambitious Briscoe brothers, who decided that they should develop their own car. Luring Maxwell away from the Olds concern with a promise to name their new model the Maxwell-Briscoe, he set about designing a simple, well-engineered twin-cylinder model which was to bring great success to the firm.

Further additions to the range meant that in 1909, 10,000 cars were made, production doubling the following year to over 20,000 units, making the Maxell the third best-selling automobile in America after Ford and Buick.

In an attempt to gain much needed production efficiencies, the company merged with Chalmers, although post WW1 they badly lost their way, principally due to several quality issues that were to severely damage the company’s reputation.

In 1920 Walter Chrysler took control, sorting out the reliability issues which were centred around the rear axle. He marketed the improved car under the name the ‘Good Maxwell’, selling the updated ‘New Series’ from 1922 with some success, 67,000 finding buyers that year. From 1925 the company was reorganised into the Chrysler Corporation, the 'New Series' Maxwell subsequently being marketed as the four-cylinder Chrysler after which the Maxwell marque was no more.

This delightful RHD 1924 model was exported new to New Zealand. It was found in a very sorry state and completely restored to its current superb condition before being imported into the UK in 2007. All aspects of the car appear to have been dealt with. The bodywork has been professionally painted and beautifully trimmed in blue ‘leather-grain’ vinyl. The hood is excellent and the car comes with a full set of side-screens.

Most American cars of the period had wooden artillery wheels, however this Maxwell looks particularly attractive on its large 23” wire wheels which really makes it stand out from the crowd. Other than the non-original alternator, the mechanical elements appear to be to standard specification and the engine fired instantly and ran very sweetly during the photography session.

Ready to go, this powerful, nicely restored and handsome vintage tourer looks particularly tempting, especially with its comprehensive weather equipment that makes this fine open tourer virtually as snug as a saloon.