1912 Metz Model 22 Roadster Loaded With Accessories! This 1912 MetzModel 22 roadster is an older and very well preserved restorationof a complete, authentic and original car. It was likely restoredin the 1960s. Unlike today, it was still commonplace to find good,solid examples of brass era cars during these early years of thehobby. Metz introduced its first four-cylinder automobile in 1912and called it the Model 22, based its horsepower rating. A terrificinvestment at a affordable price! Charles Herman Metz was one ofthe great, American industrial pioneers of late 19th and early 20thCentury. By 1897, he was the founder of the Waltham ManufacturingCompany and was selling over 15,000 bicycles a year. In 1898, hiscompany began building self-propelled vehicles and motorcycles. Thecompany continued to evolve and by 1909, Charles Metz was buildingautomobiles under his own name from a factory in Waltham,Massachusetts. Initially powered by two-cylinder engines, Metzintroduced its first four-cylinder automobile in 1912 and called itthe Model 22, based its horsepower rating. The car could bepurchased as a kit or as a fully assembled vehicle. Both wereoffered only as a roadster and built on a 90 wheelbase chassis. Thefully assembled roadster sold for 495.00 in 1912. This 1912 MetzModel 22 roadster is an older and very well preserved restorationof a complete, authentic and original car. It was likely restoredin the 1960s. Unlike today, it was still commonplace to find good,solid examples of brass era cars during these early years of thehobby. Today, many brass era cars have been assembled from avariety of new and original parts, however, this 1912 Metz appearsto have always been a complete and well cared for example. Althoughits early history is unknown, this Metz Model 22 roadster spent agood portion of its later years as part of aauto museum on the eastcoast. Later, it became part of another well-known, east coastcollection of fine brass era automobiles. The older restoration hassince mellowed and the car now has that charming look thatcollectors of brass era automobiles desire. The paint is extremelypresentable and shines with an appropriate soft glow that one wouldexpect from a fifty-year old paint job. The interior is blackleather and has also appropriately aged itself while still being invery good condition. The bottom cushion in the Mother-in-Law seathas had repair years ago.The folding top assembly is also in goodcondition and raises and lowers with ease. The simple body consistsof a scuttle cowl, which flows nicely into a double-bucket seatassembly. This Metz really resembles a speedster or racer of the1910 period with its exposed oval gas tank and rear mounted motherin law seat. The long flowing fenders and short running boards addto the sporty nature of this early automobile. All of thesecomponents appear to be original and are in solid condition. Thesteering wheel has separated over time. The car is well appointedwith brass acetylene headlamps, matching sidelights, a rear mountedtaillight, a brass running board mount carbide generator and bulbhorn. All of these brass accessory items are period correct and ingood, original condition. The original radiator retains itsoriginal Metz emblem as well as a 1950s era car club plaque. Underthe hood, this Metz retains its original, four-cylinder, L-headengine, which is clearly stamped with the VIN number of 16610 onthe aluminum crankcase. The mono-bloc engine features exposedvalves and a removable cylinder head with the word Metz embossed. Aperiod, Bosch high-tension magneto supplies the power for theignition. For reliable driving, a later Model T Ford carburetor hasbeen fitted. The engine is coupled to its original friction drivetransmission assembly that is controlled by the vertical leverinside the body. The friction drive assembly transmits power to atransfer case assembly, which continues to send the power to therear wheels via dual, chain drive. The car still retains itsoriginal 30 x 3 wood wheels with clincher rims and the tires areolder reproductions. All of the mechanical components appear to bein very good condition and close inspection shows they are freefrom wear or damage. When you carefully study these components, itbecomes further evident that this was a low mileage, unworn carprior to its restoration. Although Metz automobiles were built from1909 through 1920, it is believe that less than 100 examples existtoday. According to records, about ten, 1912 Model 22 roadstershave survived. Of those, this example is likely to be one of themost authentic of the known survivors. This Metz is a sporty andgood-looking brass- era roadster that will certainly make astatement whether on display at a show or in a collection. Ofcourse, it will also be a great candidate for Horseless CarriageClub tours and other brass era motoring events.