1917 Templar Four

Roadster

The Templar, which was built in Cleveland, Ohio, from 1917 until 1924, was advertised as 'The Superfine Small Car,' and that's exactly what it was. The firm was led by businessmen W.O. Cooper and engineer Arthur M. Dean, and the name 'Templar' was after the 12th Century order of Catholic Knights and supposed guardians of the Holy Grail.

A unique feature of the sporty Templar was its motor - a 197 cubic-inch, four-cylinder engine with overhead valves that developed 43 horsepower. (The valves were enclosed in an aluminum case ('Vitalic Top valve.') It has a finned exhaust manifold, Stromberg updraft carburetor, Auto-Lite generator, and electric starter. The wheelbase was 118 inches, which worked well with roadster and phaeton bodies. Outside vendors supplied the frame, axles, suspension, and brakes, however, the engine was designed and built by Templar.

Templar production was never high. Only 761 were sold in 1917-18. Peak production was 1,850 in 1920. America's entry into World War One in 1917 interrupted production from the beginning. Although the Templar was an attractive car, sales never took off. Production ended in 1924, with approximately 6,000 cars built.

This 1918 Templar 4-45 is a two-seat Touring Roadster wearing 'Valentines Rich Cream' over contrasting black wings. The interior and the optional Houk wire wheels are finished in burgundy. It is devoid of doors, and has a low-slung cockpit, cast alloy step plates, leather scuff protectors embossed with the Templar cross, and twin flush-mounted spare wheels. The interior contains a Templar-branded fuel gauge, a Warner speedometer, and a Keyless rim-wind clock. There are fitted side curtains and a black canvas top, and the list of optional accessories includes a spotlight, an exhaust cutout, and a Kellogg tire pump.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2012