1911 EMF "30" TWO SEAT RACER

1911 EMF "30" TWO-SEAT RACER
Sold for US$ 242,000 Including Commission
Bonhams Auction, Amelia Island, FL. 2015
Ex-EMF factory racer, 3rd place Tiedeman Trophy at the 1911 Savannah GP
Chassis no. 37361
Engine no. 37361
4-Cylinder Side Valve Engine
Twin Spark Magneto Ignition
Single Updraft Carburetor
3-Speed Sliding Gear Transaxle
Live Axles Semi and Full Elliptic Springs, Hartford Shock Absorbers
2-Wheel Mechanical Brakes
*A genuine, fully documented and verified pre-WWI factory racing car
*Third place in Tiedeman Trophy at the 1911 Savannah GP
*Highly usable car eligible for countless events
*Great for vintage racing and brass era touring
*Long-term ownership never before offered on the market
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Factory racer number 33 offered here is the only surviving EMF factory-racing car and is believed to be the only surviving car from the Tiedeman Trophy. It was bought as a restoration project by the current owner in upstate NY in the late 1970s. At the time of discovery, 37361 was not recognized to be a racer, as the marque was not well-known for motorsports. Among the many boxes of parts, however, was a photo of the number 33 Savannah racer. Re-examining the unusual bodywork the owner began to think this could be that car.
At that point the mechanical restoration began, and the owner started to research his new acquisition. A break came at the AACA swap meet at Hershey Pennsylvania. An EMF enthusiast handed the owner a small original publication, in which the small history of the EMF Company was published in period. A section documenting EMF's racing success at the Tiedeman Trophy in Savannah was present, and to the owner's surprise, EMF had published the serial numbers of all three racers that participated, 37367 driven by Jack Tower being confirmed. This article, along with the clear visibility of the EMF's original data plate and engine stampings, made very little room to dispute the authenticity of the car.
A lengthy restoration was undertaken to bring the car back to its 1911 Savannah racing glory. The first restoration was completed in the 1980s and the car began an active life on the vintage racing circuit. A frequent competitor in hill climbs like Mt. Equinox and Mt, Washington (it has made the ascent 14 times!), the EMF was also raced at the Milwaukee Mile, New Hampshire International Speedway and Lime Rock Park. The EMF was also invited to participate in the Savannah GP re-enactment; the only original participant present among the impressive field of vintage racers.
After more than a decade of vintage racing the EMF was treated to a new restoration – this time with two decades worth of research in hand. The smallest details had been researched, even details like the striping of the transaxle being faithfully reproduced, returning the racer to its totally authentic 1911 configuration.
During the restoration the engine was rebuilt. New high compression ARIAS pistons and a fresh twin spark ignition were fitted. Breathing through a free flow racing exhaust the engine now makes noticeably more power than the stock engine. With its Hartford shocks, wrapped springs, transaxle and low weight the EMF is a nimble handling machine.
In the mid-2000s the freshly restored EMF made the rounds, attending prestigious Concours such as the Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance.
Offered today in fine cosmetic and mechanical condition, this EMF is an appealing combination of a true vintage racer and a fun brass tourer. Equally at home on the racetrack as it is on an HCCA brass tour, this machine offers much of the fun and character of a Stutz Bearcat or Mercer Raceabout but with genuine period racing history. This special piece of American racing history is highly recommended.
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Robert Myrick Photography