1917 Monroe M-3 Roadster

The National Automobile Museum Auction|13 June 2026, 10:00 PDT|Reno, National Automobile Museum

1917 Monroe M-3 Roadster
Chassis no. 4335
Engine no. 13268

120.2ci Overhead Valve Inline Four-Cylinder
Single Zenith Carburetor
22 NACC hp, reportedly 33 Brake Horsepower
3-speed Sliding Gear Transmission
Live Axles with Semi-Elliptical Front and Three-Quarter Elliptical Rear Springs

* An important but now forgotten milestone in the growth of General Motors
* Lower price model sold through Chevrolet dealers
* Overhead valve four-cylinder engine
* A Louis Chevrolet designed, Gaston Chevrolet driven Monroe race car won the Indy 500 in 1921

THE CAR OFFERED

R. Frank Monroe, owner of the Monroe Body Company in Pontiac, Michigan, and William C. "Billy" Durant, founder of Chevrolet, got together in 1914 to build a lower cost complement to Chevrolet. It was called the Monroe and was sold through the Chevrolet distributor and dealer network. The first Monroe was unveiled in 1915 as the M-2 with only a roadster body and a factory price of $460. In production for only two years, something larger was needed and the M-2 was succeeded by the M-3 in 1917.

To keep costs down the Monroe M-3 utilized a purchased engine from Sterling that also was used in the Scripps-Booth. With 120.2 cubic inches displacement but with overhead valves, it had calculated NACC horsepower of 22hp. Contemporary sources indicate Monroe claimed an actual brake horsepower of 33hp. Chevrolet in 1916 countered with its 490 model, a 171 cubic inch overhead valve six with 22 NACC horsepower. Priced at only $490 for a Roadster or Touring, it made the Monroe redundant. Besides, Billy Durant was well on his way to regaining control of General Motors which he had lost to impatient bankers in 1910, and the Chevrolet-Monroe relationship succumbed.

The Monroe marque continued under new ownership and association with Louis Chevrolet which in 1921 saw a Monroe driven by Gaston Chevrolet, one of a team assembled by Louis Chevrolet of three Monroes and three more famous Frontenacs for the race. Monroe built its last car in 1923.

This 1917 Monroe M-3 Roadster was acquired by the Harrah Automobile Collection in 1964 from Hilda Hettiger in Ohio.

There is no doubt that it has been restored although when and where is unknown. It is a standout in rich yellow with black fenders, black leatherette upholstery and a black cloth top. The wood spoke wheels are painted yellow to match the body and carry 30-3 Non-Skid tires. It is equipped with a Stewart drum speedometer (reading just 5 miles) and a rear-mounted spare. There are typical issues from long term museum display at Harrah's and more recently at the National Automobile Museum. It is dry stored without fuel or coolant and will need thorough recommissioning but after some cosmetic attention to the engine and chassis could be more than ready for display and touring.

This is an intriguing little car with an overhead valve engine that is unusual for its time. More importantly, it has a marvelous back story of Monroe's place in the early days of Billy Durant's financial maneuvers and his loss and then recovery of control over General Motors.

Additional information

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Motor Vehicle:
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It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their designated agent has the auction venue details, bill of lading showing where the lot will be transported and proof of the buyer authorization for collection of the lot(s). Bonhams will release the lot only once all payment requirements have been met including payment of taxes and any applicable fees. Buyers and/or their agent are responsible for collecting all available parts, logbooks, title, keys and any other accompanying documents.
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Representatives of Bonhams|Cars preferred carriers are available on site to provide shipping quotes and transport information.
Domestic Motorcar Transport:
Passport Auto Transport Contact:
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International Motorcar and Motorcycle Transport:
Schumacher Cargo Logistics Schumacher Secure
Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117
[email protected]
International Motorcar Transport:
CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services)
Contact: Denise Rodriguez, +1 (305) 849 9326
[email protected]
Payment Notices
Payment Deadline: 12pm PDT on Monday, June 15, 2026
Cashiering Hours:
Saturday, June 13, during the auction
Sunday, June 14, 8:30am to 5:30pm
Monday, June 15, 8:30am to 12pm
Shipping Notices
LOT COLLECTION DEADLINE: 12pm PDT on Monday, June 15, 2026
Motor Vehicle:
Uncollected Motor Vehicle Lots following the Collection Deadline will be uplifted and stored by Passport Auto Transport. Uplift and storage shall be at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Motor vehicle removal and storage charges will be charged by Passport Auto Transport according to its standard rates and ultimate destination of the vehicle(s). For applicable charges, please consult with Passport in advance of purchase.
Purchased lots become the buyer's risk once the hammer falls. Storage, collection, and uplift for paid and unpaid lot removal is at the buyer's sole risk and expense. Overseas buyers are strongly advised to make collection arrangements with Bonhams in advance of the auction. Buyers may have an authorised agent collect their purchases according to the collection deadline.
It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure that their designated agent has the auction venue details, bill of lading showing where the lot will be transported and proof of the buyer authorization for collection of the lot(s). Bonhams will release the lot only once all payment requirements have been met including payment of taxes and any applicable fees. Buyers and/or their agent are responsible for collecting all available parts, logbooks, title, keys and any other accompanying documents.
TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
Representatives of Bonhams|Cars preferred carriers are available on site to provide shipping quotes and transport information.
Domestic Motorcar Transport:
Passport Auto Transport Contact:
Ed Watts, +1 (417) 588 4921 or mobile +1 (314) 496 6228 [email protected]
International Motorcar and Motorcycle Transport:
Schumacher Cargo Logistics Schumacher Secure
Contact: Warren Barnes, +1 (310) 626 7117
[email protected]
International Motorcar Transport:
CARS (Classic Automotive Relocation Services)
Contact: Denise Rodriguez, +1 (305) 849 9326
[email protected]

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