1918 Chalmers Six-30 Open Tourer

The Legacy of Hugh Chalmers and the Chalmers Six-30: A Journey Through Time

In the early 20th century, the automotive landscape was rapidly evolving, and one name that emerged as a beacon of innovation and competition was Hugh Chalmers. Joining the Thomas-Detroit Motor Company in 1907, Chalmers, then a youthful and dynamic Vice President of the National Cash Register Company, took a bold step by buying out the company’s president, E.R. Thomas. Under his leadership, the company introduced a remarkable four-cylinder car designed by Howard Coffin, who would later co-found Hudson Motor Car Company.

The Chalmers-Detroit, as it was initially known, quickly made a name for itself on the racetrack. In 1908, two of these new cars achieved a stunning one-two victory at the Jericho Sweepstakes on Long Island, showcasing their performance and engineering prowess. The following year, a trio of cars dubbed the 'Chalmers Bluebirds' continued this legacy of success, further solidifying the brand's reputation in the competitive world of early automotive racing.

As the years progressed, Chalmers dropped 'Detroit' from the name and continued to innovate, producing a range of four-cylinder models and introducing a six-cylinder variant in 1912. Hugh Chalmers, the consummate salesman, was relentless in his pursuit of excellence, leading his cars to triumph in prestigious events like the Glidden Tour, where they earned a trophy in 1909 and won the event outright in 1910. Despite a flurry of speed-record attempts in 1917, the aftermath of World War I brought challenges that the company struggled to overcome. In 1922, Chalmers was absorbed by Maxwell, and just a year later, Walter Percy Chrysler stepped in to rescue the brand, becoming president of the Maxwell-Chalmers organization.

Among the notable models produced during this era was the 1918 Chalmers Six-30, a powerful touring car boasting a 117-inch wheelbase and a six-cylinder, 30bhp engine. The Six-30 was available in various body styles, including a five-passenger touring car, a cabriolet, and even a seven-passenger limousine tourer. This model exemplified the luxury and performance that Chalmers aimed to deliver.

One particular 1918 Chalmers Six-30 has a fascinating history. Originally purchased by the Heffney family from Rangeley, Maine, for a substantial price of $1,565—approximately three times the cost of a Ford Model T—this car remained with the family for an impressive 50 years. It eventually made its way to Colorado and then to the UK in 1989.

In 2013, the car changed hands again, with the new owner beginning a restoration that included retrimming the interior and replacing the folding roof. However, the project stalled, and it wasn’t until our vendor acquired the Chalmers in September 2018—almost exactly 100 years since it first joined the Heffney family—that the restoration was completed. The interior is now elegantly retrimmed in black leathercloth, and a new hood and tonneau cover were custom-made. While it runs on six volts, it is fitted with a 12-volt battery for starting, ensuring reliability on the road.

This Chalmers Six-30 comes with a wealth of history, including invoices and photographs documenting engine work from 1996 and a restoration in 2001, as well as an original instruction manual. It has enjoyed regular use in recent years, participating in several Gordon Bennett Rallies, a testament to its enduring appeal and performance.

As a powerful touring car with seating for five, the Six-30 is not only a rare survivor from the exhilarating days of early American motoring but also a vehicle that embodies the spirit of innovation and competition that defined the era. Chalmers' legacy lives on through the American automotive industry, influencing brands like Thomas, Hudson, Maxwell, and even Chrysler. The Chalmers Six-30 is more than just a car; it is a piece of history, a symbol of a time when America fell in love with the motor car, and a reminder of the passion and dedication that drove pioneers like Hugh Chalmers to shape the future of transportation.