From Antique Automobile; The 1906 12-Cylinder Maxwell
In the Nov/Dec 2023 official publication of the antique Automobile Club of America comes an article about Maxwell's hopeful 1906 12-cylider Vanderbilt Cup entry.
By Charles Camp
Photos from the Detroit Public Library and Howard Kroplick
Greg O.
In 1906, Jonathan Maxwell promised "the fastest machine ever constructed to run on wheels" for the 1906 Vanderbilt Cup race. A bold claim for sure considering he only introduced his first car to the public 3 years earlier in 1903.
Based on his small, 20hp, twin-cylinder horizontal engine, he linked together 6 of them to produce one of the largest engines of the day to do battle in the Vanderbilt Cup.
Motor Age promotion in 1906
With holes drilled in every conceivable location and part, Maxwell unfortunately never fell below the 2,204 weight limit for the Vanderbilt Cup, therefore, could not enter his 12-cylinder behemoth. His replacement eight-cylinder entry suffered catastrophic engine failure and also did not compete. Leaving Maxwell out of Vanderbilt Cup contention.
Eventually, a race between the Stanley Brothers' steam race car, 'Rocket' was planned, but Rocket was demolished in another race and subsequently, the Stanley brothers left racing for good.
It wasn't until October 1, 1907, that professional driver, Aurthur See took the 12-cylinder Maxwell to Ventnor Beach, New Jersey to certify a speed and time, but fell short of any records. The 12-cylinder Maxwell was never heard from again.
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