1911 National 40: Remarkable Construction at a Low, Low Price
The 1911 National 40 was produced by the National Motor Car Company based in Indianapolis, Indiana. This year the company attributed the car's popularity to a "high attainment in automobile construction." There were a few slight changes in the body design for 1911, including an optional closed front body and an increase in length and width of the tonneau for the Touring models. The National 40 was popular for its fore-door design, and had its share of wins in speed contests and endurance runs.
With the exception of the fore-door Touring and the Toy Tonneau, the 1911 models were priced the same as before at $2,500. The engine, transmission, chassis, long wheelbase, large braking surface and other mechanical features also remained the same this year.
Model Options for 1911
The National 40 came in several model options for 1911. Models priced at $2,500 included a five-passenger Open Front Touring Car, a four-passenger Open Front Toy Tonneau, and a two-passenger Speedway Roadster. A five-passenger Fore-Door Touring and a four-passenger Fore-Door Toy Tonneau were priced at $2,600. A four-passenger Torpedo Touring Car was available for $2,800. There was also a National Limousine that could hold seven passengers, which was priced at $3,750.
Engine Specifications
The engine used for 1911 was a four-cylinder unit mounted on the main frame with extra large mechanical valves. It was a vertical engine with a bore and stroke of 5 x 5 11/16 inches. The exhaust and admission were on opposite sides and interchangeable. There were two separate set of spark plugs, a gear-driven distributor and tapered nipples on the exhaust, intake and water pipes. The engine was rated at 70 horsepower.
The clutch was a self-contained aluminum cone that was cushioned with springs and leather-faced. The cars featured a sliding gear, selective type transmission with three forward speeds and one reverse. The gears ran on oil. For the ignition, the National 40 featured two systems - gear-driven, high-tension Bosch magneto and one with a storage battery, distributor and single coil.
Engine lubrication was accomplished using an oiling crank case with a constant level force feed oiler. Other specifications included a bevel gear drive, a Schebler carburetor measuring 1 3/4 inches, an 18-inch hand-wheel steering system (worm and gear) with an inclined post, single lever driving controls, and a special straight line cooler with a centrifugal pump for engine cooling. Gasoline capacity for the Touring, Toy and Torpedo models was 20 gallons. The Roadster had a 30-gallon fuel tank.
Body Frame, Suspension and Features
The cars were built on a 124-inch wheelbase. The body for the 1911 National 40 was made of sheet metal and had a straight line design with side entrances. The frame was made of pressed steel with no sub-frame, and a channel section measuring 4 1/2 inches that was firmly riveted and braced. It curved up over the rear axle.
The cars had divided front seats with luxurious upholstery in either bright or dull black leather (long grain). The seats had special spring mattress cushions for added comfort. The cars were finished in National Blue, and National Red or National Green for the body and gears. The front axle was made with I-beam steel, one-piece forging. The rear axle had a compound construction with the inner axle used only as a driver. The wheels turned upon double bearings on a hollow axle, which carried all the weight. The cars had continuous enclosed metal guards in the front and rear with a metal dust shield between the frame and the running board. The springs were half elliptic, measuring 40 inches in the front and 48 inches in the rear.
Braking and Tires
For braking, the National had two systems. There were two internal expanding metal-to-metal hub brakes, which were operated by foot pedal. There were also two brakes on the outside of the rear wheel drums, which were operated by hand lever. The tires measured 36 x 4 inches, and were available from Diamond, Michelin, G & J, Firestone or Continental. At extra cost, buyers could opt for wheels and tires measuring 36 x 4 1/2, 36 x 5, 34 x 4 1/2 or 34 x 5. To protect from dust, the cars featured detachable metal dust pans, which protected all working parts.
Special equipment included side and tail oil lamps, tools, a jack, a horn, and two Gray & Davis gas lights measuring eight inches with a Prest-O-Lite tank.
All these great features contributed to a fine automobile that National 40 buyers could relax in and enjoy great driving. Those who admire classics from the early 1900s are sure to love restoring these great cars!
