MTFCA Forum

Big racers like Ford's 999 and the Locomobile, Old 16 are well known because of their record-breaking performances. There were many other monsters that slipped out of sight due to less amazing history.
I don't recall seeing this one until an Antique Automobile magazine article featured it. In 1906, Johnathan Maxwell built a 12-cylinder opposed Behemoth for that years Vanderbilt Cup. 6 1/4" bore and stroke were nearly double the size of his production cars. 2,300 cubic inches was estimated to develop 180 to 200 horsepower.
I have been working on this painting of it. The huge racer did not, however gain a reputation that it might have.

Looks great!

Another amazing painting. What a monster. Thanks for sharing Rich.

Other than Ford's 999, I had no idea other behemoths of this type existed until I read the article The Greatest Race Never Run in the last issue of AACA's Antique Automobile magazine.

The article goes on to say it was not ready for the race, but Maxwell entered another giant car with an inline 8-cylinder engine which had a catastrophic failure. There were other "freaks" built by various builders and they were eventually discouraged as these contests were initiated to promote productions cars or closer to it. Maxwell challenged Stanley to a match for the land speed record, but sometime after the wreck of their "Rocket" at Daytona in 1907, the Stanleys opted out of racing. The 12 was officially clocked at 116 mph at Vennor Beach which made the newspapers. Maxwell claimed it would have gone faster if not for poor sand conditions and a short "run-up" to the start.
The 12-cll The 8-cyl

Wonderful obscure history !! Thanks for posting, Rich !

Here are a couple more photos of the 8-cyl that I found interesting.

Fabulous !!
If only Jack Benny had known . . .

Seriously, the resources and technology speak to the fact that Maxwell was a major moving force in automobile development for a long time. Great history.

Wow !! Look at the length of the crank and cam shafts !! Unreal !!

I'm sure Jonnathan Maxwell could see the impact Henry Ford's race cars had on the automobile buying public. Locomobile, Stanley, Buick and others made names for themselves that way also. Imagine spending time creating their monster.
I have a neighbor in the manufacturing business. He has done well, and his passion is to build fast and custom Harleys in his spare time. He puts his talented employees to work helping. It is pretty magical to see their exuberance and enthusiasm for it. I can only imagine the same zest in the back of the factory designing and constructing the Maxwell racers.
How wonderful it must have been for them and the other builders of that time.
Rich

Great photo and info. Thank you for posting.

Nice work! This one has a Peter Helck feel to it...

Thanks for the comments. Peter Helk painted several Vanderbilt Cup paintings. Had the Maxwell 12 raced or won in it, he might have painted one of it.
I'm sure being around that kind of power and excitement added to his works.
Rich