1999 Trip > Travel Log
1908 Maxwell Model LC Tourabout
The 1999 Coast to Coast journey began in New York City in a "barn-fresh" 1908 Maxwell Model LC Tourabout on loan from Hemmings Motor News. It had literally been stored in a barn since the last time it was used (in a wedding
motorcade in 1947) until Hemmings Motor News acquired it in 1994. Although mechanically restored, the exterior of this Maxwell is an excellent example of an un-restored early motor vehicle. Under this rough-looking car is a horizontally opposed two-cylinder engine, similar to the BMW motorcycle engines of the 1930s. The steering is an interesting example of early rack-and-pinion design. The windshield and rear "mother-in-law" seat are later additions. The windshield was a common accessory for these types of vehicles, but the rear seat is less common. Interestingly, Alice Ramsey's first personal vehicle was a red 1908 Maxwell LD Runabout, which was purchased for her by her husband after an incident with a runaway horse and rig. The Maxwell-Briscoe Motor Company was founded by Ben Briscoe in 1905. In 1912, the company was relocated to Detroit where Jonathan Maxwell oversaw its operations. Walter P. Chrysler joined the company in 1923 and became president in 1924. The Maxwell was renamed the Chrysler in 1926 after The Chrysler Corporation had been established.
2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
When Alice Ramsey drove cross-country in 1909, she was driving one of the most technologically advanced vehicles
of the time. When Mead and Mello began planning their 1999 journey, they considered a variety of vehicles.
Although several manufacturers are highly regarded for their technological advancements, the new Mercedes S-Class
met all the requirements for the trip.
Among the features that made Mead and Mello choose the new S-Class is the navigational system, which is standard in both the S430 and S500. The satellite-based navigation system offers a display in the center console and in the instrument panel as well as verbal commands. Integrated with the GPS system is Tele-Aid, a system that offers roadside assistance, an information
service and emergency help at the touch of a button. The Tele-Aid SOS emergency service is also automatically contacted if an
airbag is deployed. The system automatically knows the location, model and color of the vehicle and will send help even if no one in the vehicle is able to respond. Other safety features include full-frontal airbags, head-protection side curtain airbags and door-mounted airbags in all four of its doors. The 2000 S-Class also features the world's first smart cruise control system, which maintains a pre-set distance behind the car in front by varying the accelerator and even applying partial braking if necessary.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class that Mead and Mello drove had several unique features. Among these are an extra-powerful cellular antenna and Michelin zero pressure tires. Shell gasoline was used in the vehicle, including a refueling stop at the Shell SmartPump, a robotic gas pump in Sacramento. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz and Maxwell-Briscoe car companies are linked through history. The Maxwell was renamed the Chrysler after Walter P. Chrysler became president of the company in 1924. Chrysler merged with Daimler-Benz in 1998 to become DaimlerChrysler.
Dodge Intrepid ESX2
The 1999 Coast to Coast journey concluded in San Francisco with the Dodge Intrepid ESX2, a second-generation
hybrid car that was representative of the future of automotive technology at the time. Called a "mybrid," or mild hybrid, the ESX2 combines a 1.5-liter, 3-cylinder direct-injected diesel engine with an advanced lead acid battery to achieve an
expected 70 miles per gallon. Other hybrid configurations rely on the battery and electric motor to work as a second "engine" most of the time. To do this, a bigger, more expensive battery is needed. A battery for a traditional hybrid might cost between $4,000 to $10,000 by itself and weigh 500 pounds. The ESX2 battery pack weighs just 133 pounds and is charged as the car is driven.
The ESX2's extreme cab forward design helps make room for five or six passengers and more cargo space than available on gasoline-powered Dodge Intrepids. A unique rear suspension and lowered floor allow for the batteries and electronics to be
packaged behind the rear seat. The bright red car body is made of just six panels, versus the 80 or more pieces in today's cars. At 30 miles per hour, the fascia and sills automatically drop 1 ½-inches to a three-inch ground clearance, a 2 ½-inch spoiler is
deployed and a wind screen drops behind the grille to block some air flow. These aerodynamic changes give the car a lower drag coefficient-just 0.19. A handheld computer in the instrument panel helps control the climate, stereo and vehicle operating systems. It doubles as a personal computer, offers Internet access, functions as a navigation system and provides regular traffic and weather updates. Lastly, it's the ultimate in deterring car theft. Take the handheld computer with you and the car doesn't move.