Jay Leno’s Garage is a popular television show that showcases a wide variety of cars, from vintage classics to modern supercars. Among the many unique vehicles that have been featured on the show, the 1923 McFarlan Model 154 Knickerbocker Cabriolet stands out as a truly one-of-a-kind automobile.
This particular car is part of the renowned Nethercutt Collection located in California. Vice President Cameron Richards, who oversees the collection, believes that this McFarlan Cabriolet is the only surviving example in existence today. Its rarity and historical significance make it a true gem for car enthusiasts and collectors.
McFarlan, originally a carriage builder based in Connersville, Indiana, made the transition into automobile production in the early 20th century. However, unlike many other car manufacturers of the time, McFarlan focused on producing luxury vehicles rather than mass-produced models. They built only 600 cars per year between 1910 and 1928, emphasizing quality over quantity.
The Model 154 Knickerbocker Cabriolet is a testament to McFarlan’s commitment to luxury. Weighing in at a hefty 5,200 pounds, this car exudes elegance and grandeur. Behind its Rolls-Royce-like grille lies a powerful 572-cubic-inch inline-6 engine. What sets this engine apart is its unique configuration of 18 spark plugs and four valves per cylinder. In the video, Jay Leno explains that this T-head arrangement was favored during that era due to the low quality of gasoline. The T-head design facilitated better cooling, reducing the risk of engine detonation.
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Despite its impressive number of valves and spark plugs, the engine of the Model 154 Knickerbocker Cabriolet produced a modest 120 horsepower. This power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a three-speed manual transmission equipped with a modern H-pattern shifter. The combination of power, luxury, and craftsmanship made McFarlan a respected competitor to Rolls-Royce during its heyday.
Interestingly, this particular McFarlan Cabriolet has a fascinating history of ownership. It was owned by Roscoe Conkling “Fatty” Arbuckle, a famous comedian of the period. The car features a fold-out canopy and a director’s chair in the back, providing Arbuckle with a comfortable place to relax during rest stops. However, the driver of the car was less fortunate, as the Model 154 Cabriolet featured a popular body style of the time, with a covered rear compartment but an open cockpit for the driver.
Despite its reputation as a formidable rival to Rolls-Royce, McFarlan ultimately met an unfortunate fate. The company faced financial difficulties and eventually went bankrupt. It was subsequently acquired by Auburn, another ill-fated Indiana automaker.
The rarity and historical significance of the 1923 McFarlan Model 154 Knickerbocker Cabriolet make it a true treasure for automotive enthusiasts. Its presence in Jay Leno’s Garage serves as a reminder of the rich history and craftsmanship of American automobile manufacturers from the early 20th century. The McFarlan Cabriolet stands as a testament to the luxury and elegance that this once-prominent company represented.
