Matheson (automobile)

Charles W. Matheson and Frank W. Matheson of Grand Rapids, Michigan were mechanically interested in building engines and transmissions. They formed Matheson Motor Car Company in 1903. Matheson purchased the Holyoke Motor Works, and secured the services of the engineer and designer Charles G. Greuter. The brothers interests were in the overhead valve engine Greuter had designed, and Greuter became chief engineer of Matheson until 1908. Matheson built sixty automobiles in the first year, assembled in Grand Rapids from parts supplied from the Holyoke factory. In early 1904, Matheson moved the entire operation to Holyoke, Massachusetts. The 1903-1904 Matheson's were seven-passenger touring cars which had a 96-inch wheelbase and were powered by a four-cylinder engine offering 24 horsepower. At $5,000, (), the Matheson was a high-grade, well built car, selling at the top of the American luxury car market. Some 35 skilled employees transferred from the old works in Holyoke, Massachusetts. In September 1906, a Matheson touring car set a world record for the mile in 50 seconds at Atlantic City. Matheson conducted an active racing program which included drivers such as Louis Chevrolet, Ralph DePalma, Frank Lescault and Ralph Mongini. In 1908, Mr. Greuter left the company and French engineer L.D. Kenan was hired as his replacement. Kenan designed a new 50-hp six-cylinder engine for Matheson. In 1908 the Matheson had a 128-inch wheelbase and was powered by a 50 horsepower four-cylinder engine. Body styles included a 7-passenger tourer, a runabout, landaulet and limousine. Prices ranged from a low of $5,500 to $6,500. In 1909, a six-cylinder engine was offered on a shorter 125.5-inch wheelbase, and produced 50 horsepower, the same as the four-cylinder engine. It was the lowest priced car in the lineup, selling for $3,000, . A.M. Dean became chief engineer and improved the six-cylinder design now called the Silent Six engine. The 1911 Silent Six of 50-hp became the only car offered for 1912. By 1909, nearly 400 workers were employed by the Matheson Company. Financial trouble caused Matheson to enter their first receivership in July 1910. They were rescued in November with a reorganization as the Matheson Automobile Company. == Legacy and fate ==

A second receivership occurred in December 1912. The sale of the bankrupt company assets occurred on April 21, 1913. It was reported that 100 Sixes and 800 Fours had been produced all-together. A New York concern purchased the factory and tooling to handle production of munitions in support of the war effort. Frank Matheson remained with the company until 1914. The brothers would continue to be influential members of the automotive community. In the early 1920s, Frank purchased his old plant back and used it for distribution of Oakland, Dodge and GMC trucks. Charles had become vice-president of sales for Dodge Brothers and worked for Oakland when the Pontiac was introduced. He later worked in sales for DeSoto, and then general sales manager for Graham-Paige. ==Production models==

• Matheson 40/45 HP • Matheson 40/45 HP Touring Car • Matheson 50 HP Touring Car • Matheson Limousine • Matheson 40 HP 1909 • Matheson Six Toring Car M • Matheson 1910 E • Matheson 1911 E • Matheson Silent Six == Gallery ==

File:Matheson Cycle & Automobile Trade Journal 1905.jpg|alt=|1905 Matheson Automobile Advertisement File:Matheson Cycle & Automobile Trade Journal 1909.jpg|alt=|1909 Matheson 50 hp Six and Big Four Advertisement File:Matheson Cycle & Automobile Trade Journal 1910.jpg|alt=|1910 Matheson 50-hp Six-Cylinder Advertisement File:1912 Matheson Automobile ad.jpg|alt=|1912 Matheson Silent Six Advertisement ==See also==