In the early 20th century, the world was beginning to see the dawn of modern automobiles, and adventurous spirits were eager to test the limits of these new machines. One of the most daring and impressive expeditions of that era took place in 1914, when two men, Mr. L. Wing and reporter K. Parker, embarked on a journey through the untamed landscapes of the American West in a 22-horsepower Metz 22 Speedster. Their goal? To drive to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, a feat that had never been attempted before in an automobile. What followed was not just a test of the car’s capabilities, but a demonstration of courage, grit, and the spirit of exploration.
The Metz 22 Speedster: Design and Capabilities
The 1914 Metz 22 Speedster was a marvel of early automobile engineering. Produced by the Metz company, which was based in Waltham, Massachusetts, the car featured a 22-horsepower, four-cylinder engine that powered a lightweight roadster chassis. Despite being a relatively small car, the Metz 22 Speedster was known for its sturdy build and remarkable performance on rugged terrain. The car’s unique friction-drive transmission allowed for smooth acceleration without gears, a feature that set it apart from its competitors at the time. Additionally, its full-elliptic suspension springs and artillery wheels equipped it for tough roads, making it ideal for the challenging journey ahead.
As the Metz 22 Speedster began to gain attention for its performance, its durability would soon be put to the ultimate test. The journey to the Grand Canyon was not only a display of its mechanical strength but also a glimpse into the sheer determination of its drivers to conquer the uncharted territory of the American West.
Video
Watch A Brief History of Grand Canyon National Park by National Geographic and explore the fascinating story behind this natural wonder.
The Epic Road Trip: From Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon
The adventure began in Los Angeles, where Wing and Parker set off with little more than their wits and the Metz 22 Speedster to guide them. Their route took them across the vast desert south of Death Valley, through stretches of barren land with few roads to follow. Without reliable maps, the duo relied on their instincts, and what little guidance they could find from locals.
The journey became even more grueling as they crossed three mountain ranges, each presenting a new set of challenges for the Metz. As they pressed on, the car’s suspension system was tested to the limit, negotiating steep inclines and rocky trails. The harsh environment proved to be a tough adversary, but the Metz showed resilience, its engine roaring through the rough terrain without faltering.
Conquering the Grand Canyon: The Descent and Ascent
When they finally reached Peach Springs, the starting point for their descent into the Grand Canyon, Wing and Parker faced a new set of obstacles. The lack of proper roads and the treacherous gorge meant that the Metz had to navigate narrow, boulder-filled washes and steep grades. Despite the difficulty, the car performed remarkably well, with Wing confidently steering it through the rocky terrain.
The most thrilling part of the expedition was the descent to the Colorado River, nearly a mile below the rim of the Canyon. With each twist and turn, Wing and Parker had to carefully maneuver the car through deep sand and mud flats. The weight of the Metz 22 Speedster, combined with its exceptional power, allowed it to make the climb back up as well, proving its worth as a machine capable of handling even the harshest conditions.
The Iconic Photograph at El Tovar: A Moment of Triumph
One of the most iconic moments of the journey came when Wing and Parker reached the edge of the Grand Canyon at El Tovar Point. With a sheer drop of over two thousand feet in front of them, the men drove the Metz 22 Speedster to the very edge of the precipice, where they took a photograph of the car at the canyon’s rim.
The bravery required to drive so close to the edge of such a steep drop was a testament to both Wing’s confidence in the car and his own steady nerves. Parker, who was less certain about the maneuver, recalls the moment with a mix of awe and apprehension, noting how the car’s front wheels were nearly at the edge before Wing finally brought the vehicle to a halt. This image would go on to be a symbol of the daring spirit of early automobile adventurism.
Struggles, Success, and the Return Journey
After spending the night at the canyon, Wing and Parker turned their attention to the return journey. With their route through Peach Springs Gorge and Diamond Creek, the two men encountered even more challenging conditions, from quicksand to boulders blocking their path. Despite the car’s struggles, it continued to perform admirably, with Wing using his skills to navigate the obstacles, sometimes even using large rocks and debris to clear the way.
Throughout the journey, the Metz 22 Speedster demonstrated remarkable endurance, never requiring repairs or adjustments. The only issue they encountered was the torrential rainstorm that drenched them on the second night, adding another layer of difficulty to an already strenuous trip.
The Metz 22 Speedster’s Stamina: A Test of Endurance
The Metz 22 Speedster’s performance during this journey was a testament to its incredible stamina. Wing and Parker faced extremely difficult conditions—steep grades, narrow paths, quicksand, and boulders—and yet the car handled it all with surprising ease. The friction-drive system provided smooth control, allowing the car to move across rough surfaces without stalling or breaking down.
The car’s suspension system also proved crucial in absorbing the shocks from the rough roads, keeping the vehicle stable throughout the entire descent and ascent of the Grand Canyon. Even when the car had to climb over large boulders, its durability and powerful engine made the impossible seem possible.
Mr. Wing and K. Parker: The Adventurers Behind the Wheel
The two men who undertook this monumental journey were not only pioneers of early motoring but also true adventurers. Mr. L. Wing, representing the Metz Agency in Los Angeles, was a man of great confidence and skill, willing to take on the impossible in order to prove the capabilities of his car. K. Parker, the young reporter, documented the journey, offering detailed accounts of their hardships, triumphs, and the beauty of the Grand Canyon.
Together, they pushed the limits of what was possible with early automobiles, and their story would go down in history as one of the most daring feats of the early motoring age.
Conclusion: Legacy of the 1914 Grand Canyon Expedition
The 1914 journey to the bottom of the Grand Canyon in the Metz 22 Speedster remains one of the most iconic and significant moments in the history of early automobiles. Wing and Parker’s determination, along with the car’s impressive performance, proved that even the most daunting challenges could be overcome with the right combination of skill, innovation, and courage.
Today, the Metz 22 Speedster is remembered not just as a car but as a symbol of an era when adventurers were willing to test the limits of technology and explore the unknown. The journey to the Grand Canyon remains one of the most significant milestones in early motoring history, a testament to human perseverance and the spirit of adventure.
Gallery: Historic Images of the Journey and Metz 22 Speedster
Video
Watch Grand Canyon – The Jaw-Dropping Beauty of America’s National Park by Free Documentary Nature and witness the stunning landscapes of this iconic park.
