The “Super-Fine Small Car,” known as the Templar, embodied its name with sleekness and modernity. Named after the crusades and adorned with the Maltese cross, it boasted a 197 cubic inch, 43 horsepower overhead valve engine, encased in aluminum. Crafted by a team of skilled engineers led by M.F. Bramley, the Templar stood out with its semi-elliptic springs, semi-floating rear axle, and Hotchkiss drive. Despite its promising start with 1800 cars built by 1919 and a notable publicity boost from Cannon Ball Baker’s record-breaking drive, the Templar faced numerous challenges. From material shortages post-World War I to internal strife resulting in receivership petitions, including a devastating factory fire in December 1920, the Templar’s journey was tumultuous. Despite its innovations and charms, the Templar’s fate was sealed by a series of unfortunate events, marking the end of its era in automotive history.

1917 – 1924