1909 Maxwell DA
Mrs. Ramsey’s drive was, at first, a publicity stunt by The Maxwell-Briscoe Motor Co. created in hopes of attracting the attention of women who would then nudge their husbands into buying a Maxwell.
Alice’s car was a 1909 Maxwell Model DA-a 30 horsepower touring car able to achieve speeds of up to 40 mph. The Maxwell-Briscoe Company of Tarrytown, New York made automobiles from 1904 to 1925. Named after founders Jonathan Dixon Maxwell, who earlier had worked for Oldsmobile, and the Briscoe Brothers Metalworks. Benjamin Briscoe, an automobile industry pioneer, was president of the company at its height.
“Maxwell-Perfectly Simple-Simply Perfect” read the company logo on top of much of it’s literature in 1909. The Maxwell Briscoe Motor Co. survived another 16 years after Alice Ramsey’s coast-to-coast adventure, churning out vehicles until 1925 when Walter Chrysler stepped in and bought Maxwell, re-naming it Chrysler Corp.
The existence of Alice Ramsey’s ‘09 Maxwell is unknown and most likely lives on in her photographs only. When Rich Anderson began his search for the 1909 Maxwell Model DA to his surprise he found only one Model DA in existence. There may be others, but none that can be verified. The existing 1909 Maxwell DA was not for sale, but its’ owner offered to help him find parts to rebuild another 1909 DA starting from the ground on up, which is no small task.
After years of piecing it together from parts found as far away as Australia and near to the Anderson home in Seattle, the Maxwell destined to travel the length of the U.S. in 2009, is well on it’s way to coming back to life. [See photos below] With the help of Master Machinist, Jay Larson, and antique airplane builder and gifted metal fabricator, Larry Sitauer, the restoration process is taking massive strides.
Sometime in early 2008 the Maxwell DA engine will get it’s first crank-start. A moment that may be happening for the first time in more than 70 years! That moment will contain more than excitement, it will mark another beginning toward getting the car road worthy for it’s epic journey on June 9th, 2009.
Excerpt from the 1909 Maxwell DA Owners Manual (above in b/w):
“For those desiring extreme luxury in a roomy five-passenger touring car capable of doing anything that the largest cars built will do, with the exception of terrific speed. Attractive in appearance, strong and powerful in construction, but light in weight, this car is capable of a speed of over 40 miles an hour. It rides as smoothly as the most expensive, and is as reliable and quiet as any car.
The four cylinder engine runs with watch-like precision and is practically noiseless in operation.”
