1912 EMF Model 30 Roadster

1912 EMF Model 30 Roadster
Engine no. 17899
226cu in, Side-Valve Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
30bhp
3-Speed Manual Gearbox
Front and Rear Leaf Spring Suspension
2-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Offered from the Two Generations Collection
*Potential for HCCA events
*For restoration

† Sold In Situ - Noted lot is being sold in situ and preview is available Tuesday and Wednesday May 30th and 31st. To make arrangements to view the lots and for further information please contact motors.us@bonhamscars.com.

Please refer to the Buyer Information page for further information.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Established in 1908, EMF took its name from its founders' initials - 'E' being Detroit coachbuilder Barney Everitt, 'M' being William Metzger, lately sales manager of Cadillac, and 'F' being Walter Flanders, at one time Henry Ford's production manager. The Northern and Wayne companies were acquired together with their plants and equipment, and EMF production commenced in the second half of 1908 with Wayne designer William E Kelly as chief engineer. EMF chose not to contest the low-price market with Henry Ford, opting instead for a well-finished medium-priced car. The latter was a 30hp four with three-speed sliding-gear rear transaxle built on a sturdy pressed-steel chassis frame. Splits in the partnership and litigation with wagon builder turned automobile manufacturer Studebaker, which had concluded a distribution agreement with EMF, eventually led to a Studebaker take-over in 1910. This resulted in the formation of the Studebaker Corporation, and from then onwards all EMFs were badged as Studebakers.

One of three examples of EMF cars that lived in this collection, this was by far the newest seeming to date from 1912 and the tail end of production under this brand name. The car's coachwork is a sample of their two seater roadster with small extra rider seat at the back. It is hard to say whether it was midway through a restoration or whether it was only at the stage of dismantling, in any regard it does not appear to have run for many years.

Offering much potential as a sporting runabout for HCCA tours and suchlike, the EMF should be a straightforward project for the enthusiast.