1910 CHADWICK SIX MODEL 19

The Chadwick motorcars were created by Lee Sherman Chadwick, who was an engineering student at Purdue University in the U.S. At the tender age of just 24 he invented a mechanism for a washing-machine manufacturer. From this he naturally moved over to the burgeoning autocar industry and formed his own company in operation during the years before the First World War.

It is believed that around 300 Chadwick Six Model 19 examples were created. Today, there are only two survivors. It is rather unfortunate as these were truly impressive automobiles. The extremely large six-cylinder engine displaced over 11 liters and produced an astonishing 75 horsepower. This would have translated to a breathtaking 60 mph, even faster on a racetrack. Considering the road conditions and safety devices of cars of this era, this was an impressive, albeit dangerous, accomplishment. For an additional fee, the engine could be fitted with a supercharger, the first of its kind available in North America.

A wonderful example of the incredible diversity and inventiveness of the early years of auto motoring!