1908 Metallurgique
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 oil system provides full pressure lubrication.
Maximum road speed is 64 km/h (40 mph), with a cruising speed of 48 km/h (30 mph).
The engine is unusually flexible, thanks to an extremely heavy flywheel incorporating the cooling fan. The clutch has a pair of expanding shoes operating like a drum brake in reverse.
They are held outwards by springs and retract when the clutch pedal is pressed. A foot pedal operates a transmission brake, the handbrake brings into action full circle bronze shoes in the rear drums.
Metallurgique ceased production in 1908.
