THE 1922 LAFAYETTE TOURING CAR BY JON HENRY AND STEVE SNELL

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Vivien Harris
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April 2016 Forestville, CT THE 1922 LAFAYETTE TOURING CAR BY JON HENRY AND STEVE SNELL Today s quality automobiles reliability and long engine life are a direct result of a long history of remarkable

One of the rewards of working at a restoration shop such as Morton Automotive is the opportunity to work on a variety of cars (especially Buicks) that demonstrate this principle.

Automotive in Bristol, CT. Most people equate the automotive name, LaFayette with nameplate in the Nash line during the late 1930s.

1 April 2016 Forestville, CT THE 1922 LAFAYETTE TOURING CAR BY JON HENRY AND STEVE SNELL Today s quality automobiles reliability and long engine life are a direct result of a long history of remarkable engineering achievements by a succession of bright, dedicated people. One of the rewards of working at a restoration shop such as Morton Automotive is the opportunity to work on a variety of cars (especially Buicks) that demonstrate this principle. Photo by Jeff Dyer, Photo Expressions LLP Photo by Jesse Morton Such an example is the extraordinary 1922 LaFayette 4 door 7 passenger touring car now undergoing a complete restoration at Morton Automotive in Bristol, CT. Most people equate the automotive name, LaFayette with nameplate in the Nash line during the late 1930s. Actually, the LaFayette was an independent make of limited production, high quality, and commensurate price (over $4000 for the touring car a princely sum at the time). The LaFayette engine and running gear benefited from World War I aircraft manufacturing expertise. LaFayettes were in production from when the company failed. As World War I wound down, the technical and engineering expertise that had supported the war effort sought new endeavors, one of which was the automobile industry. One such person was D. McCall White whose prior experience as vice president of Cadillac played a key role in the birth of the LaFayette after the war. The founder of Cadillac, Henry Leland was chief engineer of the World War I Liberty V12 aircraft engine. Henry Leland went on to become the chief engineer of the Lincoln Division of the Ford Motor Company, and oversaw the development of V8 and V12 engines for Lincoln. D. McCall White brought his collective expertise to LaFayette. He was one of the many bright engineers whose achievements were built upon a succession of other engineers. 26 ACADEMY STREET, FORESTVILLE, CT JESSE@ACADEMYAUTO.COMCASTBIZ.NET

PAGE 2 The LaFayette was founded in Indianapolis, Indiana, but after being purchased by Charles Nash, the company relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

and limousines. LaFayettes were high end, quality cars competing for customers among wealthy classes. They are scarce and sought after by collectors today.

2 PAGE 2 The LaFayette was founded in Indianapolis, Indiana, but after being purchased by Charles Nash, the company relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During its short life of only 4 production years, LaFayette Motors Company produced only 2267 cars in a selection of body styles typical of the day touring cars, sedans, coupes, torpedoes, roadsters, and limousines. LaFayettes were high end, quality cars competing for customers among wealthy classes. They are scarce and sought after by collectors today. It is speculative, but perhaps only 1% of the cars (about 25 cars) still exist today. Among the many remarkable features of the LaFayette engine were: V8 design arising from aircraft principles of light weight and superior performance 350 cubic inches producing 100 horsepower Hollow case crankshaft weighing in at only 30 ½ pounds Air pressurized fuel delivery system obviating the need for pesky vacuum tanks Internally driven accessories using Morse type chains eliminating the need for pulleys and belts Elimination of bolt on manifold castings by placing manifolding internal to the block Dual exhaust to the rear of the car resulting in low back pressure Dual back-to-back water pumps driven by the crankshaft Additional unusual characteristics and accessories included: Tilting headlights controlled by a foot operated button Thermostatically-controlled radiator louvres High pressure lubrication

PAGE 3 The example you see pictured with this article is owned by Mr. Vincent McLaughlin of Pennsylvania. Mr. McLaughlin purchased the car over 25 years ago and has entrusted the car to Morton Automotive for a complete restoration.

McLaughlin echoed the sentiment about the high level of engineering that went into every aspect of this car. He cited as a simple example, the cowl lights.

3 PAGE 3 The example you see pictured with this article is owned by Mr. Vincent McLaughlin of Pennsylvania. Mr. McLaughlin purchased the car over 25 years ago and has entrusted the car to Morton Automotive for a complete restoration. Mr. McLaughlin chased this car for many years from Miami to New York before being able to purchase it. Mr. McLaughlin echoed the sentiment about the high level of engineering that went into every aspect of this car. He cited as a simple example, the cowl lights. Very unimposing lights that were standard for the era. But he indicated that disassembly revealed a carefully engineered component with very fine threads on the hardware and fittings. One of Morton Automotive s trademark approaches to restoration of classic automobiles such as this LaFayette, is traceability back to original specifications and design features using period literature especially literature from the manufacturer itself. In the case of LaFayette cars, this literature is scarce indeed. We have been fortunate, however, in that Mr. McLaughlin has provided us with a wealth of literature to accompany his car. Among the many choices, you will find below two such examples: (1) instructions from the manufacturer for cleaning the top, and (2) a checklist for the tool kit that was provided at delivery of the car. Curiously enough, the top manufacturer was located in New Britain, Connecticut, which is the town adjacent to where Morton Automotive is located.

PAGE 4 It is indeed a privilege of the automotive restoration industry to be able to

a strong foundation in engineering principles still in use today.

has a number of rare and desirable automobiles for sale, as candidates for inventory

Featured below are two cars that are immediately available: a very rare 1930

4 PAGE 4 It is indeed a privilege of the automotive restoration industry to be able to observe first-hand the early examples of automotive engineering which provided such a strong foundation in engineering principles still in use today. CARS FOR SALE, INVENTORY LIQUIDATION,AND ESTATE CONSIGNMENT Morton Automotive Group has a number of rare and desirable automobiles for sale, as candidates for inventory liquidation, or on estate consignment for you consideration. Featured below are two cars that are immediately available: a very rare 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Custom Dual Cowl Phaeton, and a 1949 Hillegas Race Car. These cars (among others) may be viewed on appointment.

Approximately 100 of these 1931 Cantrellbodied cars were known to have been produced; no other examples have been found. Listed at $32,500. These cars (among others) may be viewed on appointment.

5 APRIL 2016 PAGE 5 CARS FOR SALE, INVENTORY LIQUIDATION,AND ESTATE CONSIGNMENT (CONT.) Featured below are two more cars that are immediately available: a rare 1928 Stutz Roadster, and a rare 1931 Cantrell-bodied Buick Woody. Approximately 100 of these 1931 Cantrellbodied cars were known to have been produced; no other examples have been found. Listed at $32,500. These cars (among others) may be viewed on appointment. CONTACT US: jesse@academyauto@comcastbiz.net [GMT 5] 26 Academy Street Forestville, CT USA BUICK VINTAGE PARTS Three ways to find Buick parts: 1. Check the e-store on our website at 2. We have parts listed on ebay under user ID sportsroadster. New things appearing all the time. 3. Call us to get a local inventory check SHOW SCHEDULE June 18,, 2016, Klingberg Vintage Auto Festival, New Britain, CT July 27-30, 2016, 50th Annual Buick Club of America National Meet, Allentown, PA October 7-10, 2015, AACA Eastern Regional Meet, Hershey, PA

E.H. LOCKWOOD AUTOMOBILE TESTING RECORDS, (BULK ) Accession

Finding Aid for E.H. LOCKWOOD AUTOMOBILE TESTING RECORDS, 1887-1940 (BULK 1914-1924) Finding Aid Published: January 2013 Benson Ford Research Center, The Henry Ford 20900 Oakwood Boulevard Dearborn, MI