Flint’s production of the 1923 Flint 5 Passenger Special Touring started in June 1923 with a 65HP, 6-cylinder Continental engine with full pressure lubrication. By installing tubular framing mounted on the inner side of the standard frame the Flint’s very stiff frame also eliminated wood frame creaks.
WC Durant acquired the assets of the bankrupt Willys Corp including a prototype design which Walter Chrysler also wanted. The prototype when developed by engineers Breer-Skelton-Zeder represented the finest auto technology of the time and the trio ultimately introduced the 1924 Chrysler. Durant improved on the design to resemble a downsized Locomobile to compete with Buick and named it Flint after his hometown.
Manufacturer: The Flint Motors Division was founded by William C. Durant, the same automotive pioneer who co-founded General Motors. Durant aimed to create a mid-priced car to fill the gap between Chevrolet and Buick in GM’s lineup.
Design and Body: The 1923 Flint 5 Passenger Special Touring car was designed as a comfortable and practical family vehicle. It typically featured a spacious, open-top touring body style, suitable for accommodating five passengers with ample room for luggage or cargo.
Engine and Performance: The Flint 5 Passenger Special Touring was powered by a six-cylinder engine, which was quite advanced for its time. The exact specifications varied, but it would have provided adequate power for everyday driving and touring purposes.
Features and Technology: In 1923, automotive technology was advancing rapidly, and cars like the Flint 5 Passenger Special Touring incorporated modern features such as electric lighting, pneumatic tires, and possibly an improved suspension system compared to earlier models.
Market Position and Competition: The Flint Motors Division positioned the Flint brand as a mid-priced alternative to more expensive automobiles. It competed with other mid-level brands of the era, aiming to appeal to middle-class buyers looking for quality, reliability, and affordability.
Legacy and Collectibility: Due to its association with William C. Durant and the Durant Motors conglomerate, the Flint 5 Passenger Special Touring holds historical significance in automotive circles. Despite the short-lived nature of the Flint brand (1923-1927), its cars are appreciated by collectors for their rarity and the story they tell about early 20th-century automotive innovation.
Taken at the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival.
You may purchase a print of the 1923 Flint 5 Passenger Special Touring in our dElegance 2016 online gallery.
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