Beautiful older restoration. Proven tour car with numerous upgrades including electric start. Runs and drives great, surprisingly smooth and easy to master. EMF has a strong following so parts and advice are easy to find. Ideal for Brass & Gas tours!

EMF stands for Everitt, Metzger, and Flanders, the names of the three industry players who joined forces to create an all-new automobile. Enjoying some success, they eventually moved into second place in terms of production behind the venerable Model T—not too shabby! The company’s history is easy to learn, so we won’t explain it here, but it’s important to note that EMF provides an important cornerstone to the early automotive industry in a variety of ways, not the least of which was becoming Studebaker in 1913. In 1912, the final year of production, the Model 30 was their top-of-the-line, a car comparable to, say, a Buick Model 29 in terms of price, performance, and comfort. It’s quite a bit larger than a Model T, but has tidy enough proportions to be easy to handle and move around.

This car’s restoration was completed perhaps 20 years ago by noted expert Clay Green and in the years since it has been owned by a passionate brass car enthusiast who has used it on dozens of brass car tours. It is 100% a driver, and that’s only a good thing. The handsome touring bodywork is finished in burgundy, an appropriate color to the early part of the 20th century, and it’s accentuated with a lot of gold pinstriping that matches the brass fittings throughout. It presents quite nicely with a few signs of use and age but nothing substantial that needs attention or rework. All the brass is in excellent condition with a soft shine that’s easy to maintain yet still looks ornate. Of note, it carries all its original EMF-branded lamps and that cylindrical device below the radiator is a period Ever-Ready self-starter, essentially a giant clock spring that winds itself as you drive (it is disconnected and we do not know if it is functional, but remains a very desirable accessory). It also includes a Python-style horn, running-board-mounted tool box, and even a rear license plate bracket. It’s really a handsome car.

The interior is traditional button-tufted black leather that was quite nicely done and remains quite comfortable for long drives. Also note the unique fleur-de-lis rubber mat and large wooden steering wheel with controls for the throttle and spark. An accessory Stewart speedometer shows 12,533 miles, a figure which we believe is an accurate reading since new, and the 8-day clock ticks away when you wind it (gently!). Controls are familiar, with a traditional 3-speed shifter to your right, and the only oddity is the center-mounted accelerator pedal between the clutch and brake—most drivers use the hand throttle anyway. Rear seat space is practically big enough to stand up and for two passengers it’s remarkably comfortable. The top is showing some age but is perfectly functional as-is, with a correct rear window and a full set of side curtains.

The 226 cubic inch inline-4 is a remarkably smooth and torquey powerplant that makes the EMF feel capable on the road. Thanks to a cleverly integrated starter system that is 100% bolt-on and using a belt on the flywheel, it spins over easily and fires with just a little choke every time. It’s almost spooky how reliably this car starts. It feels surprisingly sophisticated and makes pleasant mechanical sounds without sounding like it’s going to clatter itself apart. It’s equipped with priming cups but you’ll never need them—just a little choke when it’s cold. The magneto has been recently rebuild, which surely helps its strong starting performance, and it runs nice and cool. It’s dressed in the same off-white enamel that covers the chassis, offering a nice contrast to the burgundy bodywork and like many brass cars, there’s more ornate pinstriping to highlight the mechanical bits. The transmission is a 3-speed manual and you’ll need to brush up on your double-clutching, but it’s easy to master and a lot of fun to drive. Brakes are effective for the car’s size and performance and the rear end is augmented with a remote oiler so that it can be lubricated after each drive—lack of lubrication has been known to damage EMF rear axles. The exhaust features a built-in whistle that’s actuated by the T-handle on the floor of the front seat and the battery is stashed in back where it’s easy to access (note that the starter acts as a generator, so it charges while you drive). Ride quality is good and those towering wheels are outfitted with brand new Firestone NON-SKID tires.

Well-sorted brass cars are incredibly difficult to find. There are a lot around, but trying to find one that isn’t full of ham-fisted repairs or incorrect parts can be a challenge. This Model 30 is a proven tour car with great reliability that’s easy to drive, even for a first-timer. If your tastes run to something a little older and a little more unique, or you’re an experienced hobbyist looking to enjoy a great segment of the hobby, look no further than this awesome EMF. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.