1915 VERSES 1916 SALES FOLDER

Scott Blackman from Pennsylvania just recently sent me a copy of the 1916 Monroe sales folder. I had a copy of the earlier 1915 folder, which is almost identical, but it was interesting to compare the little differences between the two versions. The engine bore size was listed at 3 inch in the 1915 folder, while 3 1/16 inch was listed in the 1916 version. What I discovered for the first time was the 1916 model now had a 4 1/4:1 rear axle gear ratio (1915 was 4:1), increase fuel tank capacity of thirteen gallons for 400 miles range (1915 was twelve gallons for 360 miles), and the shipping weight was now listed as 1440 pounds (1915 was 1325 pounds). Both listed electric starting as a $35.00 extra and mentioned demountable rims and tire carrier was available, but only the 1916 version listed that this was a $20.00 option. Another difference is the "Actual View of the Factory" in Flint, with the later version showing a test track to the east of the plant.

1917-18 MONROE M-3 SEDAN SALES FOLDER

This is an interesting sales folder and needs to be read closely. It is claimed this sedan is similarly to the larger touring "with the exception of the M&S Differential." It is inferred that the heavier four passenger sedan used the same 3.25 inch bore by 4.5 stroke Monroe built engine at 150 CID as compared to the smaller 120.2 CID Sterling engine used in the M-3 roadster chassis. The 150 CID Monroe engine was designed by the renown Alanson P. Brush and featured a drilled for oil pressure to the rod bearings and fully counter-balance crankshaft that was rated at 2600 RPM. This engine also used the same style, easy external adjustable, rocker arms that pivoted attached under the aluminum valve cover, that Brush designed for the Sterling engine used in the 1916 Model C Scripps-Booth . All the sedan spec sheets I have seen list the smaller Sterling engine, but installing this larger engine later in the model year to improve the sedan’s performance is quite possible? But it could also be wishful thinking on the part of the advertising writer.