Category: Classic Cars

The Franklin Company of America was a firm believer in the merits of air-cooled engines. It once conducted a stunt drive from Walla Walla, in Washington, to San Francisco, California, in bottom gear to prove that the engine would not over-heat. After building a series of successful four cylinder models, Franklin introduced a six in 1905. For many years both fours and sixes were offered. This 1912 six has a 6.0-litre engine rated at 38.4 hp and was capable of 100 km/h (62 mph). The engine has seven main bearings…. Read more

Metallurgique was a Belgium-built rival for Mercedes, especially in the years between 1906 and 1914. Production was on a leisurely scale, the car being meticulously hand built. Though the first Metallurgique was produced in 1900, the oldest known survivor is a 1907 model, fitted with a massive 21-litre 100 horsepower Maybach engine. The 1908 model pictured was a 2.8-litre, four cylinder engine rated at 18 hp. An unusual feature is the Des Axe crankshaft which is off-set to the line of the bores (the camshaft is also off-set). An advanced… Read more

Now one of the most expensive cars in the collectors’ catalogue, the Mercer Raceabout was one of the first sports cars which could be bought off the showroom floor, complete with a rakish body and enough power to win the nearest motor sport meeting. The Raceabout first appeared in 1912. Two years later, it established its reputation by coming third behind two genuine racing cars at the 1912 Indianapolis 500. Its average speed was 121 km/h (76 mph). Even off the showroom floor, a Mercer could reach 120 km/h (75… Read more

The famous German aircraft company turned to the manufacture of three wheeler cabin scooters soon after World War Two. Designed to provide all weather comfort with motorcycle economy and ease of maintenance, the 1958 KR 201 was available with or without a transparent bubble top. The open model had a “convertible” soft hood. A 200 cc Fitchel and Sach two stroke engine developed 10 horsepower at 5250 rpm. It drove the rear wheel through a four speed gearbox, with a maximum speed of 90 km/h (56 mph). At moderate road… Read more

Early production Napiers were twin-cylinder engined machines but these were soon followed by a four-cylinder model. In 1904 Napier built a straight-six variant. Being happy with this engine’s performance Napier developed a whole series of magnificent ‘sixes’ culminating in the rare circuit racing types with engines up to 12 litres. The 60hp (approx 45 kW) model of 1905 to 1910 had a front-mounted engine driving the rear wheels with a separate chassis. Its 7.7-litre side-valve engine was fuelled by a single Napier carburettor. This was the third version of Napier’s… Read more