1925 Maxim Speedster. Originally made in Middleborough Massachusetts

1925 Other Makes

1925 Maxim Speedster

Time has come to offer my Speedster...I'm currently pursuing other dreams.

Not easy to let your baby go, though ! There are great emotions attached to it.

Please DO READ to the end before you bid or ask questions. (which are welcome of course!)
This historic vehicule is NOT a replica or an amalgam. It is a build from an original Maxim fire truck. They were made in Middleborough Mass from 1915 on.
It is not suitable for all collectors and is not for sale at all costs.
If you intend to use it as we did, I guarantee memorable times and great conversations.
The least I can say is that it sparks interest WHEREVER you go.
NO TRAILER QUEEN
If you are the type to plan your days to the minute, my car is NOT for you.
Unless you have a museum !
But if you are the kind to never leave without your toolbox, you may qualify :)
My Maxim is all but reliable. It will be 100 years old and everything that can leak does LOL !
Rad, oil pan, differential joints, carb etc...everything drips. And gas mileage is calculated by the drum, not gallons !!!
It does not even register on the fuel efficiency spectrum.

Other clarification : it would be more exact to speak of "decelarators" when referring to what other cars have what is called "brakes".
MY STORY
Still reading ? You might be as passionate as I am !!!
My "coup de foudre" started in 2010 when I discovered American LaFrance speedsters.

I was so impressed by these juggernauts, I started to search for one I could restore.
The scarcity of this type of vehicules made me turn to my 1928 WHITE truck I owned. I had intentions to restore it as an original.
But the speedster fever made me see the potential of my White as a high-end jalopy.
I quickly went from drawing board to dismantling.
While searching for a rare part for my White, I came across THE Maxim, in Vermont.
The old fire truck was in bad shape. But behind the rust I saw the distinctive character.
The pointed fenders, the huge Wisconsin engine that made the reputation of the Stutz racing team in early teens, the magneto, the bucket seats and the hood that retains the unusual shape of the rad : It was for me !!!
It didn't have the advantage of a chain-drive but my Maxim would be all the more unique. One trip to Vermont with a hauler and I had my work cut-out for the next year. I put my first project aside to concentrate, with the help of my wonderful team, solely on my new acquisition.

After creating a whole file of pictures and drawings for inspiration, along with hours and hours of searches for the right parts, everything was dismantled and sandblasted. Where parts couldn't be found, we custom-created them.
The engine was pushed back and lowered. The steering wheel angled and pushed back 36". The hood extended significantly and a custom monocle windshield added with the Maxim logo etched in glass.
A true "racer" was born...Old school before old school. Can't help but think of the courage these wingnut pilots had !!! Going 100 miles an hour on winding dirt roads.
If you think you can attain those speeds with my speedster, forget me !
I reached 50 miles an hour once and almost shit my pants...No seat belts, no air bag, no brakes (And no brake light either) ! 30 miles an hour is enough for me !
Now THAT'S how you enjoy the country roads. Our best memory remains our trip to Dixville Notch NH at The Balsam's. Enough said about my feelings.
Here are the details.
RECENTLY DONE
Magneto restored
New aluminium cylinders cast and installed.
POTENTIAL TO DO LIST

Steering wheel black composite ring circumference should be redone but I've always driven it as is.
Fire retard gears at the base of steering column were never done. I operate it manually.

Left rear wheel seal has bad leak.
Lever on air compressor need to be readjusted. Might be missing spring. Haven't looked into it.
Glass monocle is tempered glass and should be changed to Lexan to avoid injuries should a rock hit it hard enough to shatter.
Horn needs to be re-installed.
Light switch needs to be replaced or completly restored.
Depending on your risk tolerance, I would consider installing a hydraulic brake system if you intend to drive it intensively or at higher speeds.
One front leaf spring should be added each side.
Alignment.
Rad could be restored. I run it as is adding a little bit of pepper once in a while.

SOME SPECS
Engine : Wisconsin RBU 5x6 side valves. 471 cu. in. (7.72 L) 4 cylinders cast in pairs.
Firing system : Bosh magneto
Carburator : Zenith

Wheel base : 146"

Wheels : 24"
Tires (6) : 38x7 Bridgestone
Trans : 4 speed
Differential : screw type
Kellogg air compressor on transmission

Electrical : 6 Volts

VIDEO
www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9nyndEHy5o&t=1s
I would love my speedster to remain in Canada but will help with paperwork if buyer is from the US. Other parts of the world, I'll do my best but have never shipped overseas.
I STRONGLY recommend you come and give my car a spin before you buy if at all possible. It is insured and plated and street legal here in Quebec.
I will not end auction early. Please bid only if you have the means and intention to buy. I'm looking for the next honest owner.
I have not tried to make it look better than it is : This thing does need maintenance and regular TLC.
I will not let it go into careless hands and will answer any questions with the same honesty I expect from new owner.
Please no trade or ridiculous offers.
I'm looking for the right home and if you think you're it, give me a call and leave a clear message. I will return calls in the order I receive them. English is not my first language so you'll need to be patient as I struggle for the right words :)
Thank you for reading !
Martin Blanchard
418-458-1167