Oct
27

Todays “Did You Know??” Port Jefferson Had Its Own Automobile Factory

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Did You Know??

Did You Know. Between 1909-1915 There was two Automobiles produced in Port Jefferson NY..

The “Only Motor Car Company” Port Jefferson New York 1909-1915

The “Metropol” Port Jefferson New York 1913-1914

Francis M. Richard came to Port Jefferson, NY in 1909 to produce an American Automobile simply called the “Only”. The “Only” had a one cylinder engine and it is reported that Richard’s automobile was name for the promotional phrase “Only One Cylinder”. F. M. Richard, a Frenchman and engineer was awarded a gold medal in Paris in 1900 for the first two cycle engine ever built and in 1904 for his patented carburetor.As mentioned above the “Only” was equipped with a large single cylinder engine with a displacement of 206 cubic inches that developed 12 horsepower. It was built with a ball bearing mounted crankshaft and flywheel at each end. The 12 horsepower engine that could reach speeds of 60 MPH. The “Only” was built as a two passenger race type roadster and four passenger versions were made in 1911. After 1912 a five passenger touring car was built with a four cylinder engine. Advertised at $700.00 very few of Richard’s “Only” automobiles were built. Richard later built a four cylinder Metropol, which proved too costly to produce in his small factory. Metropols were also produced in Port Jefferson,New York between 1913-1914. Metropols were produced in two body types. A two seater roadster and a four passenger touring car.

1914 Metropol Roadster

The Metropol was equipped with a 4 cylinder engine with 448 cubic inches and developed 90 horsepower. The 2 seater roadster and 4 passenger touring car were sold for $1350. Francis Richard’s “Metropol” and “Only” automobiles were not very popular and sales were poor on both. Richard sold the factory to Karl Peters who produced the Maxim Tricar which was a 3 wheel delivery car steered by tiller.

In 1910 Francis Maurice Richard organized a hill climb on East Broadway in Port Jefferson, NY. The hill climb was attended by several big name automobile manufacturers including Henry Ford who finished 16th. The heavy and slow one cylinder “Only” had no chance against competitors with four and six cylinder engines but did finish the race.

Tags: East Broadway Hill Climb, Massive one cylinder engines, Metropol, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson automobile factory, The Only, The Only Automobile

About the author

C-Johnny

Welcome to Carlisle Johnny. My name is Johnny B and I have been an avid car crazed nut since age 13 years old. I purchased my first classic car at age 15, a 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Convertible. Since then I have owned, sold, suffered and romanced over a 147 cars, and I haven’t looked back. I always tell people its not the cars or trucks it’s the stories and people behind them. I love all kinds of cars, but I lean more towards classics from the 30’s and 40’s, Triumphs, Old Crusty VW’s and Benz’s. However, I enjoy all kinds of vehicles of various years. I have spent the last 30 years in the Auto Parts Industry but also spent many years as a classic car appraiser in Carlisle Pa.(home of the famous Carlisle Fairgrounds) where I was a sponsor. During that time as an appraiser I traveled across the U.S. appraising wonderful cars and meeting incredible people. I spent time working as one of the head appraisers on the “Harold LeMay” collection. Which is one of the worlds largest collections, with 3,100 plus classic vehicles. In addition I have also worked on the Lincoln Highway 75th anniversary tour and had the honor to do the first leg across the U.S. as well as going to Barrett-Jackson numerous times. On the weekends you can find me singing Karaoke at The Village Way in Port Jefferson,New York. www.me4portjeff.com Through it all I still say its always about the people and the stories along the way. So that’s the main purpose of this site. The people, stories and the old klunkers we love, romance and question. So your invited to join in for a fun ride… Thanks from Johnny B “The Car Whisperer”