The 1922 Washington Automobile

manufactured, it would sell in the price range of a high-end BMW, Jaguar, or Mercedes. The Deluxe line was started in February, 1922. This particular car was the second on the line to be hand assembled, and was completed March, 1922.

In national newspapers and magazines, the Washington Motor Car company advertised the Deluxe line as being ahead of its time, easy to maintain, and easy to start. One of the new concepts on their deluxe cars was grease gun fittings. Most vehicle manufactures of that time installed grease-gun cups, which had to be regularly filled and tightened. No one enjoyed doing this task; so, often it was not done.

Other unique characteristics of the Deluxe Model are:

• Removable Black California top-(Exterior)-Padded W/Light (Interior). - Winter use Convertible Rag Top - Summer Use
• Six-cylinder, 55 horsepower, well known Continental “Red Seal” engine. With a Zenith carburetor.
• Natural finished Walnut artillery wood-spoke wheels.
• Polished Walnut instrument panel with clock.
• Black Straight-grain leather upholstery

Selective type Warner transmission, three speed. Centrifugal water pump cooling system. Five passenger - Four door sedan. Polished Walnut Steering Wheel Beveled plate glass windows. Soft riding alloy steel springs. Floor carpeting. Starter generator 116 inch wheel base. Original Delivered Price - $1,785.00

This last remaining Washington Motor Car was built in 1922 and originally owned by Frank Griffis. He was a Washington Motor Car Company corporate sales representative and native of Eaton, Ohio. Mr. Griffis used the company car as a demo, and to showcase at trade shows the manufacturing superiority of the Washington car. He serviced and maintained the car well and considered it a prized possession.

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"There's an Exciting Past in Your Future"

Preble County Historical Society
7693 Swartsel Road
Eaton, OH 45320
937-787-4256 Voice and Fax

preblecohistsoc@brecnet.com