10hp, two-cylinder engine, friction transmission, four-wheel leaf spring suspension. Wheelbase: 81"
Charles H. Metz founded the Waltham Manufacturing Company in 1893 for the production of Orient bicycles. After building America's first motorcycle, the largest bicycle with ten seats, and eventually some of the nation's first autos, Metz left his own company in 1901. He returned seven years later only to find Waltham debt-ridden, in shambles, but with a tremendous surplus of parts. Ever the innovator, Metz offered customers a payment and self-assembly plan by which they could purchase their cars gradually and in pieces. Each Parts Group cost $25 and was followed by another once the previous box of parts had been assembled by the client. Thus was born the Metz Two, which required fourteen boxes of parts, and at $350 was quite the bargain. By 1909, Waltham's debts had been paid off by the "Metz Plan" and the following year's Metz Two was offered with factory assembly.
The Two presented here formerly resided in Pennsylvania before entering an Alabama museum and, more recently, was owned by noted collector Al Wiseman. It is an example from 1909 and as such, was presumably hand-assembled by its very first owner. Although the eye-catching blue paint shows signs of aging, it remains in relatively presentable condition, and is attractively offset by cream-colored wheels, suspension and driveline components. The elegant brass headlights, cowl lights, and trim pieces are in similarly presentable condition, although they display signs of aging upon close inspection. The tan convertible top is in impressive condition, as is the rear-mounted wooden storage compartment. As for the interior, the striking blue leather upholstery exhibits a lovely patina and is complemented by a wooden steering wheel with brass spokes. Evidence of road use is visible in the engine compartment, although this does not detract significantly from its appearance, as it is very tidy. It should be noted that an original copy of the Metz parts diagrams and pricelist are included in its sale.
The Metz Two is an extraordinary vehicle, born of a debt-ridden company and the ingenuity of its founder. Well restored and attractively finished, this particular example is a capable, exhilarating driver that captures the adventurous spirit of the early American autos with the thrill of an open runabout.
Charles H. Metz founded the Waltham Manufacturing Company in 1893 for the production of Orient bicycles. After building America's first motorcycle, the largest bicycle with ten seats, and eventually some of the nation's first autos, Metz left his own company in 1901. He returned seven years later only to find Waltham debt-ridden, in shambles, but with a tremendous surplus of parts. Ever the innovator, Metz offered customers a payment and self-assembly plan by which they could purchase their cars gradually and in pieces. Each Parts Group cost $25 and was followed by another once the previous box of parts had been assembled by the client. Thus was born the Metz Two, which required fourteen boxes of parts, and at $350 was quite the bargain. By 1909, Waltham's debts had been paid off by the "Metz Plan" and the following year's Metz Two was offered with factory assembly.
The Two presented here formerly resided in Pennsylvania before entering an Alabama museum and, more recently, was owned by noted collector Al Wiseman. It is an example from 1909 and as such, was presumably hand-assembled by its very first owner. Although the eye-catching blue paint shows signs of aging, it remains in relatively presentable condition, and is attractively offset by cream-colored wheels, suspension and driveline components. The elegant brass headlights, cowl lights, and trim pieces are in similarly presentable condition, although they display signs of aging upon close inspection. The tan convertible top is in impressive condition, as is the rear-mounted wooden storage compartment. As for the interior, the striking blue leather upholstery exhibits a lovely patina and is complemented by a wooden steering wheel with brass spokes. Evidence of road use is visible in the engine compartment, although this does not detract significantly from its appearance, as it is very tidy. It should be noted that an original copy of the Metz parts diagrams and pricelist are included in its sale.
The Metz Two is an extraordinary vehicle, born of a debt-ridden company and the ingenuity of its founder. Well restored and attractively finished, this particular example is a capable, exhilarating driver that captures the adventurous spirit of the early American autos with the thrill of an open runabout.
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RM - Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook
8:00 AM PT - Aug 2nd, 2008
offered by
RM Auctions
5 West Forest Ave
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
