If These Cars Could Talk: 1911 Metallurgique

Join us for an in-depth look at the many automobiles in our collection and discover their part in our history. If These Cars Could Talk is a monthly program offered by museum staff for free to the public on the first Saturday of each month.

Metallurgique automobiles were manufactured in Belgium from 1898 to 1927. They were noted for their exceptional performance and built quite a reputation for success in racing, particularly at the noted road race course at Spa, Belgium. This particular sports car was one of the first automobiles to feature boattail speedster bodywork and a V-shaped radiator. The chief engineer for Metallurgique was John Bastien, who later worked for the Stutz Motor Company of Indianapolis, Indiana. The first owner of the vehicle was Sir John George MacPhearson-Grant, the baronet of Ballindalloch Castle in Scotland. In the late 1950’s it was brought to the United States and restored. It still carries its original Van den Plas aluminum body. In 1965 it was featured in the movie “The Great Race.”

This presentation will be held in the museum galleries next to the car from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm on Saturday, February 5, 2022 and is offered to all patrons for free with museum admission. For more information, including the specific location of the presentation, please call ahead at 260-925-1444 or see an associate at the admission desk.