Footnotes

Edwardian cars of this quality and size are infrequently offered for sale and this EMF is one of only a tiny handful of its kind believed to be in the UK. It is understood that the EMF Register in the USA lists only ten survivors, some of which are not yet restored.

Established in 1908, EMF took its name from its founders' initials - 'E' being Detroit coachbuilder Barney Everitt, 'M' being William Metzger, lately sales manager of Cadilac, and 'F' being Walter Flanders, at one time Henry Ford's production manager. The Northern and Wayne companies were acquired together with their plants and equipment, and EMF production commenced in the second half of 1908 with Wayne designer William E Kelly as chief engineer. EMF chose not to contest the low-price market with Henry Ford, opting instead for a well-finished medium-priced car. The latter was a 30hp four-cylinder with three-speed sliding-gear rear transaxle built on a sturdy pressed-steel chassis frame. Splits in the partnership and litigation with wagon builder turned automobile manufacturer Studebaker, which had concluded a distribution agreement with EMF, eventually led to a Studebaker take-over in 1910. This resulted in the formation of the Studebaker Corporation, and from then onwards all EMFs were badged as Studebakers.

Previously forming part of the Gerald Sichel Collection, this original EMF Model 30 was purchased by the Key Collection when a selection of the Sichel cars was auctioned at Hershey in August 2010. Professional maintained while in the Sichel Collection, this car has the very rare coupé coachwork and is believed to be the sole survivor of its type. An older repaint in attractive blue, the timber body is very well preserved while the interior and leather seats are in remarkably original condition. It has the correct brass lamps and trim, in similarly good condition. A sound and usable 'Edwardian' with plenty of power, this rare 30hp EMF is ideal for long distance VCC events with the family.

Should the vehicle remain in the UK, local import taxes of 5% will be added to the hammer price.