American La France

In 1901 Smith & Mabely of New York took on the agency for sales and servicing of Mercedes cars. 1903 saw a dramatic rise in the American import duties for foreign cars. In order to avoid these duties Smith & Mabely had the idea to make a like copy of Maybach’s 18/22 Mercedes. In 1910 La France Company an initially fire engine manufacturer, signed an agreement with Simplex Company of New York for the design and production of its first engines. This specific car was acquired by the Museum through auction in Great Britain and is restored.

Built year: 1918
Engine type / cc: 6 in line / 14,500cc
Engine output: 105bhp / 3,600rpm
Top speed: 110 km/h
Number produced: N/A

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