The Maxwell LD is the only model in the range of little 2 cylinder cars that has the steering connecting rod in front of the front axle.
The Maxwell LD also featured 2 distinct body styles, although this is not documented in factory information I have found. There are many surviving examples of both body styles. The bodies can be described as the long running board style and the short running board style. With the long running board body, the rear fender follows the profile of the rear wheel and the long running board allows access to the area behind the regular seats. Some examples of the long running board body have a seat fitted atop a square box at the rear of the body. But this is not the only significant difference with this body. The long running board body is the same design from the cabin entry back, including seat frame and seat as the model A body, which was also introduced in 1909, and is very different from the early body design. The main differences being the later body doesn't have the semi-circular wood door in the seat riser and bucket seats. Both bodies from the firewall forward are identical with the Packard-style radiator and two-piece hood. So in the one year, 1909, in the one model, the LD, Maxwell produced 2 different bodies to meet buyers’ needs.
Was there a cut-off date between the 2 body styles? The limited information I have from serial numbers indicates the different bodies were produced on demand.
Does anyone have advertising material which shows the 2 body styles?
I would like to hear from anyone who has documentation about this Maxwell LD body question. Also, if you own a Maxwell LD, I would like to know the car serial number, like “LD-9024” and the body style, “short or long running board “ of your car, and if the body on your car is as I described it.
Would you please contact me through the forum.
Frank Cerutti
1909 Maxwell LD-9024
Townsville, Australia