Founded in 1904 by Jonathan Maxwell and Benjamin Briscoe, the Maxwell-Briscoe Motor Company soon developed a reputation for the quality and durability of its products. Powered by flat twin-cylinder engines and bedecked with Runabout / Roadster coachwork, early Maxwell cars featured mechanically-operated inlet valves, thermo-siphon cooling and shaft drive. An eager participant in the American Automobile Association's legendary Glidden Tours held between 1905 and 1913, Maxwell was one of only three teams to complete the 1911 event with a perfect score (an impressive feat after 1,476 miles of time checks). Migrating from Tarrytown, New York to a purpose-built factory in New Castle, Indiana during 1907-8, Maxwell began to experiment with four-cylinder designs. Although, the twin-cylinder models which so neatly embodied the company's 'Simply Perfect, Perfectly Simple' motto remained a staple part of the range until 1912.