Trying to ID this 1920s/1930s Touring Car

[Guest TBW]

I am trying to identify the vehicle in the below/atch'd picture. The picture was taken in Germany in the late 20s or early 30s. I have been told that it is an American car. You can't read an emblem on the radiator, but I was hoping the ornament on the radiator cap xould provide a clue.

Thanks in advance,

TBW

Dayton, OH

[Guest De Soto Frank]

Mercedes ?

[Rusty_OToole]

It does look like an American car. For example the wooden wheels were used in the US long after European makers stopped using them.

Sorry I can't make a positive ID except it appears to be a medium priced car from the early 20s.

[Guest De Soto Frank]

Well, if I have to think "American", my first inclination would be Cadillac, based on radiator shell and headlights....

For what it's worth, I noticed the windshield swings open and is held open with slide-brackets / knobs, similar to a Model A...

Benz did make some models in the 1920's with flat radiators ( as opposed to their vee'd radiators) and wooden artillery wheels.

The cowl lights with the double curved-arm mounting are unusual....

Radiator mascot looks like a winged lady...

I wonder if the gentleman with his foot up on the running board is resting his hand on a door handle, indicating a suicide door ?

Edited November 14, 2010 by De Soto Frank (see edit history)

[olympic]

How about a 1928 Essex

[Dave Mellor NJ]

My guess is also Essex ,28-29 as they resemble a Model A Ford and have suicide doors

[keiser31]

Most definitely Essex 1928 and such a great look of those folks.

[28 Chrysler]

Looks like a sedan to me with a fixed roof and roll up windows.

[Guest TBW]

Thanks to all, for the quick responses.

I have zoomed the photo as much as possible, but can't get see much of the emblem accept it's shape which appears round. The ornament seems to be a winged woman with flowing hair.

Since 29 or 29 Essex has strong support, I'll try to review as many Essex phtots as possible. The folks in the picture are mostly distant relatives from a village not far from Bremen.

Thanks again,

TBW

[keiser31]

This one at the Portland swap meet was said to be a 1929 Essex (before it was rodded). The cowl lamps are the same as your car in question. The ornament on your car is in a book I have that says it is from a 1928 Essex.

[Guest TBW]

Here are some 27, 28, 29 and 31 Essex pics. There are some good shots of the radiator ornament. I feel certain that my mystery car is an Essex. I never knew that these cars were exported to Europe.

TBW

[olympic]

Where near Bremen, I lived in Bremerhaven!

[Guest De Soto Frank]

Sure looks like "Essex" is the winner...

The cowl-lamps, visor, rear hinged doors and winged-lady are all there...

[Dave Mellor NJ]

This one at the Portland swap meet was said to be a 1929 Essex (before it was rodded). The cowl lamps are the same as your car in question. The ornament on your car is in a book I have that says it is from a 1928 Essex.

Looks like they put Ford wheels on to go with the Ford flathead engine

[28 Chrysler]

It looks like a "28 Essex , 1927 used different head lights

[Guest De Soto Frank]

Agree, '28. '29 had different cowl lights and no radiator mascot.

[bruffsup]

1928 ESSEX MASCOT.

[Guest De Soto Frank]

Thanks Barry.

This photo also shows an example of "pot metal disease" that afflicts pre-WW II die-castings.

The casting alloys had a lead content that promoted "intergranular corrosion", which leads to a break-down of the metal itself: warping, swelling, cracking, crumbling.

See it all the time with die-cast talking machine parts; also a huge problem with early die-cast carburetor, fuel-pump, vacuum-tank, windshield-wiper motor castings...

[bruffsup]

I AM WELL AWARE OF IT. I HAVE THE WORLD'S LARGEST COLLECTION OF BEAUTIFUL GARBAGE!

[Guest De Soto Frank]

I think there are those the don't believe in the tales of disintegrating carburetors on pre-1935 cars ...