1914 Chalmers Model 24

FROM THE DICK SHAPPY COLLECTION: The 1914 Chalmers Model 24 Racecar

ENGINE: Six-Cylinder T-Head Inline 6

HP: 60

WHEELBASE: 132 in.

ENGINE NO: 24A3745

MOTOMETER: Boyce (The MotoMeter Company)

FUEL GAUGE: National Gauge & Equip Co.

OIL GAUGE: U.S. Gauge Co.

MAGNETO: Bosch

DOCUMENTATION: Maine Registration

In 1908, Hugh Chalmers founded the Chalmers Motor Company in Detroit, Michigan to produce high-end automobiles. By 1911, they were the eighth-largest auto producer in the U.S., but as competition increased, their sales failed to do so. By 1923, they had merged with Maxwell Motor, which eventually became the Chrysler Corporation. Chalmers was a luxury brand known for their toughness, durability, and racing prowess, including winning the 1910 Glidden Trophy.

1914 was the first year that the mighty six-cylinder was produced, as all previous models were built with four cylinders.

The example seen here today displays all its original patina in "barn find" condition, as it was found in rural New England. The engine was meticulously taken apart and rebuilt to excellent running condition.

This vehicle turned many heads and earned great distinction at its first showing in 2021 at the Newport, Rhode Island, Concours d'Elegance.

ADVERTISEMENT FROM THE ARCHIVES:

"Chalmers Motor Car: 1914 Season The New "Six" Model 24, 1914 "Thirty-Six" Model 19:

Facts About the Factory Back of Chalmers Cars

Chalmers cars are built practically complete ina $7,000,000 factory - one of the most modern and best equipped in the motor car industry. With a production of more than 8,000 cars a year, we are enabled to take every advantage of the raw material markets. Chalmers Cars contain the highest quality materials.

Building our own parts, we save parts-makers profits and get a uniformly high quality of workmanship. In the 19 buildings of the Chalmers plant are employed an average of 4,000 skilled workmen. These 19 buildings occupy a site of 30 acres and contain 1,300,000 square feet of floor space.

We have our own foundry; build our own motors; make our own axles, except the Timken bearings; cut and grind all Chalmers gears; build our own steering gears, electric started dynamoes, fenders, transmissions, lighting systems, etc.

Every part of Chalmers Cars is built under the supervision of the Charlmers engineers and rigidly inspected. Throughout the Chalmers factory there is one inspector to every 13 workmen.

No cars at any price are more painstakingly built or more carefully inspected.