1906 Pungs-Finch Finch Limited Touring
In the early days of automotive innovation, a remarkable vehicle emerged that would leave an lasting mark on the history of American engineering – the 1906 Pungs-Finch Finch Limited Touring.
The Finch Limited’s 649 cubic inch inline four-cylinder powerplant was a marvel of early 20th-century engineering. Its quartet of cylinders boasted a displacement that dwarfed contemporary engines, with each cylinder cavity rivaling the capacity of two modern Smart car engines combined.
The engine’s architecture was ahead of its time, featuring inclined overhead valves nestled in dome-shaped combustion chambers. These valves were actuated by a lone camshaft perched atop the engine, driven by a precision gear system.
This configuration, now commonplace, was revolutionary for 1906. The Pungs-Finch company had essentially created an overhead-valve, single overhead cam “hemi” engine decades before such designs became industry standard.
The manufacturer boldly asserted that their formidable Limited model would generate over 50 horsepower and reach speeds exceeding 55 mph – figures that were almost unheard of at the time.
Such impressive specifications didn’t go unnoticed by industry titans. Henry Ford himself, upon examining the vehicle, declared it “the finest car he had ever seen.”
The Finch Limited’s drivetrain incorporated a three-speed manual transmission, which was considered advanced for its time. This gearbox allowed drivers to select gears manually, providing greater control over the vehicle’s performance.
The car’s suspension system utilized semi-elliptical leaf springs at both front and rear, a common configuration that offered a balance of comfort and handling for early 20th-century road conditions.
The exterior of the Finch Limited radiated a commanding presence. Its substantial proportions were accentuated by rakish fenders that gave the impression of solidity and strength. However, this perception masked the vehicle’s dynamic nature.
When in motion, these seemingly sturdy components would vibrate and flutter, lending the car its evocative nickname: “The Iron Butterfly.”
Inside the cabin, passengers were treated to a plush environment suitable for the car’s status as a luxury tourer. While specific details of the interior are scarce, it’s reasonable to assume that high-quality materials and craftsmanship were employed throughout, in keeping with the standards of premium automobiles of the period.
One of the most notable aspects of the Pungs-Finch Finch Limited Touring is its rarity. Historical records indicate that only a single example was ever constructed. This unique status makes it an object of intense interest for automotive historians and collectors alike.
In terms of competition, the Finch Limited would have vied for attention with other high-end American automobiles of the era. Brands such as Packard, Pierce-Arrow, and Locomobile were producing luxurious and powerful cars during this period.
However, the Pungs-Finch’s advanced engine design and sheer size set it apart from many contemporaries.
The story behind the Finch Limited’s creation is as intriguing as the car itself. It was the product of a partnership between Edward B. Finch, a gasoline engine manufacturer from Detroit, and his father-in-law, William A. Pungs, who had a background in carriage building.
Their collaboration began in 1902, but by the time the Finch Limited was developed in 1906, tensions between the in-laws had reached a breaking point. The dissolution of their partnership effectively ended any prospects for further production of this remarkable automobile.
The legacy of the 1906 Pungs-Finch Finch Limited Touring lives on through this sole surviving example. This unique vehicle has been carefully preserved and restored, allowing modern enthusiasts to appreciate its groundbreaking design and historical significance.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
