The Maxwell was one of many automobile brands to populate the U.S. market in the early 1900s. They were built between 1904 and 1925 and – at one time – were the third best-selling cars on the road. Eventually, Maxwell would merge into Chrysler, so you could almost say that Maxwell survives to this day. This 1925 example certainly does and will soon celebrate its 100th birthday, but that will come with a new owner. Located in Williston, Vermont, this Maxwell has been in the same family for 60 years and needs to move on due to downsizing. The antique project is available here on craigslist for $6,900. Thanks for another cool tip, T.J.
Maxwell-Briscoe Company started out in New Jersey and was named after founder Jonathan Dixon Maxwell, who had previously worked for Oldsmobile, and his business partner Benjamin Briscoe. The company opened a huge plant in New Castle, Indiana in 1907, which continued to operate as part of Chrysler after Maxwell’s purchase in 1925 and through the demolition of the factory in 2004. During its 20+ years on the market, Maxwells would be available in many body styles and price ranges, selling for as little as $250. That may be why Jack Benny helped make the car famous well after its demise by including it in his stingy persona for many years to come (you always saw him driving one, too cheap to trade up to a newer automobile).
This 1925 Maxwell (we’re unsure of the model) has been a part of the seller’s family since the 1960s. It’s in original condition and was still running when it was parked, but that was three decades ago. We assume the inline-4 engine that came with the car when new is still intact and these machines were noted for good fuel economy in those days, getting upwards of 30 mpg in certain tests. The body of this nearly 100-year-old car looks good, though we only see one side of it in photos.
The dark blue paint seems to have held up well, including the advertising on the doors for Delaire Ceramic Tile, which we assume was the seller’s owner’s family business. We don’t see much of the interior, but the coolest part of this old girl may be her wooden spoken wheels with whitewall tires, albeit they’re flat now from sitting for ages. Once fixed up, this Maxwell would be a rare sight out on the roadways – and Jack Benny would be proud!
Thanks to Russ for mentioning one of the greatest actors of all time. For many like me, it’s our only connection to these obscure makes. While Jack Benny ( Ben Kubelsky) portrayed a cheap skate, it was all an act, and I believe he was one of the highest paid actors in Hollywood. Jack loved big cars. Packards, Caddys, but I think his favorite was the Imperial. Watching Bennys routine today may seem corny, but our parents and grandparents felt a connection,as if he was for the common person, and people loved him. While his chauffeur, Rochester, may seem a bit racist to some today, I’m sure Mr. Benny treated him well, and was one lucky guy.
As those memories fade, I’m not sure what will happen to cars like this. It’s not something that can be used, I just don’t see a call for anything like this in the future. As Jack himself would say,,,”WELL”,,( and that puzzled look)
He owned a number of Rolls-Royce cars in his life.
While holding his right elbow in his left hand and tapping his chin with the fingers of his left hand…………….or was it the other way around :)
@Russ: I wanted to mention Jack Benny myself, but you beat me to the punch(line?). Well done sir!
As to Eddie “Rochester” Anderson he always seemed to have the best lines – putting his boss down, so although he had a stereotypical role, I think he used it to advance the cause of racial equality.
Hi Mike, well, not sure about any equality then, I read he did over 60 movies, as the stereotypical, bulging eye black person, but laughed all the way to the bank, as he was the highest paid black person in Hollywood in the 40s and 50s. Invested his money and became incredibly rich. Equality was a ways off yet, and many stereotypes still existed, and it was considered entertainment. He always spoke highly of Jack Benny.
this would be a great buy to clean up and drive as is.
Some one will grab this bargain.
My grandfather was a Maxwell dealer back in the 1920’s. I’ve wish this was closer and the time was right for me.