Waltham

US, 1898 – 1900

Waltham Automobil Co, Waltham, Mass.

The Waltham steamer was a typical New England runabout with a 2-cylinder engine, single chain drive and tiller steering. This Waltham car was designed by John Piper and George Tinker, who built the Waltham car prototype in the bicycle factory of the Waltham Manufacturing Company, although there was no financial connection between the two Waltham car companies.

US, 1898 – 1908

Waltham Mfg Co, Waltham, Mass.

This Waltham car company made an experimental electric runabout in 1898, but did not put into production. Their first petrol-engined Waltham cars were motor cycles, tricycles and light runabouts powered by De Dion engines. In 1902 the Waltham car company introduced the Orient Buckboard, a very simple car consisting of two seats on a wooden platform, with a 4hp air-cooled engine geared to the rear axle, and, originally, only one speed. There were no springs on this Waltham car, as the wooden platform was said to have enough resilience. The weight was 350lb and the price $375.

Although the simple Buckboard was continued, more sophisticated Waltham cars were gradually introduced, including a four-seater version which in turn became a side-entrance tonneau. Wheel steering and small bonnets to cover the driver’s feet appeared on Waltham cars in 1904, although the engine was still at the back, and the Buckboard ancestry remained obvious.

In 1905 a completely new Waltham car appeared, known as the Waltham Orient. This Waltham car had a 4-cylinder air-cooled 18/20hp engine mounted in front in the conventional manner, friction transmission and shaft drive. A slightly smaller 16hp Waltham car was also made. In 1908 Waltham merged with the C.H. Metz Company, and for the following year the cars were known as Metz.

US, 1922

Motor Manufacturers of Waltham Inc., Waltham, Mass.

Formerly makers of the Metz, the Waltham Motor Manufacturers Inc., produced a Waltham car under their own name, but only during 1922. A Rutenberg 6-cylinder was used for this Waltham car and prices began with the touring Waltham car at $2.450.

Source: Georgano, encyclopedia of motorcar; GNG

The information is written with the greatest of care. However, if you have any suggested amendments please contact us at office@prewarcar.com