Maxwell 25cwt Charabanc

Key facts

Year

1922
Country

United States
Capacity

3,090cc
Cylinders

4 cylinder
Valves

Side valve
Performance

40mph
Price new

(chassis) £280
Owner

Montagu Collection
Manufacturer

Maxwell Motor Corporation, Detroit

Although the American built Maxwell chassis is a little unusual, the 14 seat body fitted to this Charabanc is typical of the many hundreds of these vehicles seen on the roads during the 1920s. The origin of the Charabanc name can be clearly seen in this ‘carriage with benches’. Car maker Maxwell began constructing commercial vehicles in 1917. In 1925 Maxwell was merged with Chalmers to form the Chrysler Corporation.

This Maxwell Charabanc was bought new by Victory Garage of Hereford in 1922 but, like many of its type, was abandoned in 1929 as the simple Charabanc gave way to more luxurious motor coaches. It was acquired by Lord Montagu in 1957 from the Bromyard Garage and underwent a complete restoration during early 1962. In May that year, Lord Montagu drove it in the Historic Commercial Vehicle Club’s London to Brighton run, the first of many appearances in this event.