The Enger company was unusual in that it progressed from two to twelve cylinders in seven years, making fours and sixes along the way. The first of Frank J Enger's cars was a high-wheeler powered by a 14hp 2-cylinder engine, but he soon abandoned this for a conventional 35/40hp 4-cylinder car. Although advanced in having overhead valves, it was made only as a $2000 tourer in 1910. For 1911 the car was called a 40hp, the wheelbase was 76mm (3 in) longer and 3020mm (119in) and there were six body styles. The 40 was continued through to 1914 with little change, being replaced for 1915 by the 6-50, made only as a tourer or roadster and both priced at $1495.
Enger's masterpiece, the 55hp Twin Six, one of the first V12s made in America (or anywhere else) appeared in 1916. It could be converted to run on six cylinders by a lever which cut off the flow of fuel and opened the valves of one bank of cylinders. The Twin Six was made as a tourer or roadster, and sold for the very low price of $1095 (contemporary Packard Twin Six prices started at $3050 and rose to $5150). Enger's best year was 1916, with 1113 cars sold, so it was ironic that Frank Enger should have killed himself in his office on 4 January 1917, having been diagnosed with cancer. He gave instructions for the company to continue, but his widow petitioned for receivership. Only 317 cars were made in 1917, when the range consisted of the Twin Six and a new, smaller four selling for $695.
Creidt: Graham Clayton