Originally founded in 1904, the Maxwell Motor Company would storm onto the scene, quickly becoming one of the greatest automobile manufacturers of the time. Rivaled only by Ford and Buick, Maxwell saw great success in the States, as a result of both their capable vehicles and clever marketing techniques. What helped make Maxwell so special despite being the underdog, were constant efforts to ensure the vehicles were circulated in popular culture, and well-aligned company values. 

Although Maxwell certainly made an incredible first impression on the American consumer, the market remained a tough space, with manufacturers battling to produce great value vehicles. With the Ford Model N available for just $600, and a handful of independent manufacturer’s offerings available for much less, Maxwell was in danger of being left behind. 

This led to the introduction of the Model 25, which would be Maxwell’s cheapest four-cylinder vehicle yet. At the time it was released, the sheer value presented to buyers was staggering, with the vehicle featuring 5 seats, magneto ignition, and a few other desirable goodies. Not only was the Model 25 packed with tech, but the vehicle also performed admirably, becoming renowned for surprising off-road capability, reliability, and fuel economy.  It would also serve as the base for future models, quickly becoming the company’s flagship vehicle. 

Unfortunately, Maxwell faced immense financial difficulties following the WW1 recession, and would later be absorbed by Chrysler, Here, Maxwell vehicles would continue under Chrysler, leaving the original Maxwell Model 25 vehicles in the past and having them re- badged to the first Chrysler “Plymouth”. 

Today, very few Model 25s have survived the last century, with many perishing to age and newer replacements. This particular example, however, has been preserved beautifully, spending time in a French automotive museum prior to arriving here in the UK. 

This Maxwell spent the early years of its life exactly as the manufacturer intended, no doubt ferrying passengers and supplies around America. After what can only be presumed as many years of enjoyment, the vehicle was then selected to be a display piece for a French museum. The vehicle was then purchased and imported to the UK, where it was sold to the current keeper, who has truly treasured the vehicle.

Buyers will be pleased to know that this Maxwell comes with a fantastic assortment of history, on the manufacturer itself, and useful information for the Model 25. Also included is an original instruction booklet, along with photographs and documentation of the vehicle’s museum history. In addition to the V5C document, a large range of included parts and sundries await the new owner. Parts include a spare carb, hub puller tool, speedo cable, old parts, 8 spark plugs, oil, and mineral oil. 

The interior of this Maxwell is in great condition for its age and is indeed believed to be mostly original. Albeit a bit different from the luxury standards of modern vehicles, the sheer attention to detail and build quality of this vehicle’s interior is incredible and deserves to be admired in person. 

Considering this vehicle is over a century old, the front seat bench has been preserved well, and remains incredibly comfortable. The leatherette is of course showing signs of age, with the worst of which having been rectified with a repair patch on the driver’s side. The rear bench on the other hand has clearly seen far less use throughout the vehicle’s lifetime and shows only minimal signs of wear. 

Also coming with the spares for the car are two “bolts” of leatherette cloth to cover the seats along with the material supplied to cover the seats or make a hood stowed cover should the new owner decide to.

Once again in contrast to modern vehicles and production techniques, the Maxwell shows off plenty of wooden craftsmanship within, including original floor paneling, steering wheel, dash components, and more. All woodwork is in great condition for its age, serving as a true testament to the original build quality.

Seldom seen anywhere across the globe, the Maxwell 25 is certainly a head-turner, and is guaranteed to attract the attention of onlookers wherever it ventures. This example proudly shows off its early 19th-century styling, with very few signs of noticeable wear and age. A true testament to just how fantastically preserved this example is, of course, is its time spent as a display piece in a French museum. 

Although unlikely to be the original finish given the sheer age of the vehicle, the paintwork is in excellent condition, showing only a few minor defects noticeable upon close inspection. All trim pieces, lights, and wooden detailing are in great condition, appearing as if they've perhaps been frozen in time. Also to note is, that there were many repairs to the folding hood which were due to an original design fault where there is a weakness where wood spars join into the metal frame. So this is an issue you won't have to worry about. 

The car also sports a set of new black Maxwell 25 decals down either side, courtesy of the vehicle’s current loving owner. 

Keeping the vehicle grounded is a set of wooden wheels, which have been preserved beautifully over the years and now show only a few signs of age. Although beginning to show slight hairline cracking, the accompanying tyres still boast plenty of tread left to enjoy. 

Although we are truly spoilt with modern vehicles, it should be understood that the Maxwell 25 was a genuinely well-received car at the time. It proved to be incredibly dependable and offered tremendous value for a wide range of consumers, even those who required a little more off-road capability for rural areas. There’s no wonder the likes of Ford and Buick considered Maxwell a genuine threat to their success. 

This particular example fires up and performs well for its age. This Maxwell benefits from recently having been rewired by an auto electrician for future dependability but also made in correct period sheathed cabling and that item alone costed more than £1000, it now includes a new diagram for reference. The vehicle has also been treated with reconditioned half shafts and a rebuilt gearbox. The radiator was recored but even now there is occasional weeping either from the matrix or the lower outlet.

The current non original / standard features are:
- Carburettor is a Tillotson (the original would have been KD) and could do with cleaning and adjusting.
- Electric horn fitted for modern day traffic
- Fuel pump is new - original would have had vacuum tank but it was replaced with a fuel pump at some point
- Magneto replaced with new coil and distributor prior to the current ownership

The current owner would like to make buyers aware that the brakes & handbrake likely need attention, and the dynamo can be intermittent. Fortunately for the brakes, the current owner is also including the necessary hub-puller tool required to complete the job. Also included is a speedo cable, which once lengthened should ensure the speedometer is back to full working order. These are certainly rather minor points to note given the overall mechanical condition and can be easily rectified by the lucky new owner.

Driving this Maxwell is unlikely to be an experience comparable to anything else on the road, allowing the driver to understand just how impactful the vehicle was in its heyday. Buyers will also have to prepare for the sheer amount of admiration the car receives each time it ventures out, with onlookers craning their necks to catch a glimpse of this rare creation. 

This Maxwell 25 is a fantastic reminder of key automotive history, a point no doubt proved by the vehicle’s time spent as a museum display piece in France. 

The car is in great mechanical order, presents itself incredibly well for its age both inside and out, and is ready to be enjoyed once more. This is certainly a car that should be considered by anyone searching for the perfect collection piece, as fewer examples than ever exist today.