Waxing Nostalgic Over This 1901 Duryea

Surrounded by horseless carriage manufacturers in Indiana in 1901, raving fans began using Frank Meguiar’s Furniture Polish on America’s first cars and prompted what we know today as Meguiar’s Car Wax. Now, 114 years later, a 1901 Duryea Phaeton owned by Frank’s grandson and Meguiar’s president, Barry Meguiar, was displayed in the “Veteran Class” at the 65th annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The newly-restored (and of course freshly waxed) 1901 Four-Wheel Duryea Phaeton is grounded in history. This early horseless carriage was technologically advanced for its day and featured a 10-hp three-cylinder water-cooled engine, pneumatic tires and an inclined king pin steering system.

The Duryea associates the beginning of Meguiar’s with the beginning of American automaking. In that era, Meguiar’s Furniture Polish developed a reputation for being the only formulation that would create perfectly clear reflections on black lacquer finishes.

Barry Meguiar bought the car in 2012 at an RM Sotheby’s auction in Phoenix, Ariz. It was in excellent condition. Other collectors who wanted to buy it pursued him, but Meguiar didn’t sell it. Instead, he sent it directly to USA World Classics in Vallejo, Calif. for a 2-year ground up restoration.

“My bucket list long included having a 1901 car in my collection to commemorate the year my granddad started Meguiar’s,” said Barry. “It was an honor to be invited to display it at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and I think my grandfather would have been proud to see it celebrated.”

Known as America’s first car builder, the Duryea Motor Wagon Co. was founded in 1895 and won America’s first car race that same year. The company is best known for building the first successful gasoline powered automobile.

Meguiar’s has long been the Official Car Wax of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and sponsors the prestigious Preservation Award, where Barry Meguiar serves as a presenter each year.