On This Day

Saturday 3rd January 1920

100 years ago

The Martin Wasp was introduced at the Hotel Commodore in New York City. It was received by the public with enthusiasm for its startling and unusual design and fine craftsmanship. Douglas Fairbanks Sr., upon seeing the car, bought it on the spot. Spectacular in appearance, the Wasp was constructed of the finest materials and components available. A Wisconsin T head engine, such as powered the Stutz with a Bosch ignition, powered the car. A chrome nickel, heat treated frame on Timkin axles combined with Rudge Whitworth wire wheels gave the car strength, stability and speed. For the 1924 season a Continental six-cylinder engine of greater power was combined with a four speed transmission with overdrive which, on the fourth Speed, gave the car quietness and smoothness at even higher speeds.. The coachwork was crafted in Bennington, Vermont under the careful, direct supervision of Karl Martin. As a result of monetary problems and slow sales due to a post war business slump, the company failed and the last Wasp was produced in 1925. Although the company lingered on, producing custom woodwork and special castings, its doors closed permanently in 1932, the total production of which was only 16 cars.