LaFayette Model 134 Classic Cars for Sale

Introduction and History of the LaFayette Model 134

Founded in 1919 in Mars Hill, Indiana, the LaFayette Motors Company entered a competitive market aiming squarely at luxury automobile leaders of the era, such as Rolls-Royce, Cadillac, and Packard. Under the guidance of chief engineer D'Orsay McCall White, previously with Daimler, Napier, Crossley, and Cadillac, LaFayette pushed innovation and luxury. The Model 134 quickly became the marque’s flagship, built on a robust ladder frame and introduced with a sophisticated 5.7-litre V8 engine. Production continued until 1924, following the company’s acquisition by Charles Nash and relocation to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Only 2,267 examples were crafted, with the 1924 offering accounting for just 441 units across all body styles.

Model History of the LaFayette Model 134

The Model 134 occupies a solo position in LaFayette’s brief production history, with no direct predecessor and no true successor after the brand’s integration into Nash Motors. Its production run spanned from the company's foundation in 1919 until LaFayette ceased standalone manufacturing in 1924. The series was notable for offering an array of body styles including Touring, Sedan, Coupe, Torpedo, Roadster, and Limousine, serving as an ambitious experiment at the luxury end of the American car market.

Highlights of the LaFayette Model 134

The LaFayette Model 134 left its mark as a technologically-forward luxury vehicle of its day. Built with a massive ladder frame, it featured a 100 hp V8 engine, hollow-forged crankshaft, half-elliptic leaf spring suspension, worm and sector steering, a fully-floating rear axle, and rear wheel brakes—a level of technical sophistication seldom found in its competitors. Cabin equipment reflected luxury, with nickel-silver fittings, a well-appointed dashboard, wood trim, and unique period features such as prism windscreens, dual spare wheels, and rear window blinds.

On the market, the Model 134 commanded a higher price than contemporary Cadillacs, competing head-to-head with Packard. For instance, the Four-Door Coupe cost $4,300 in 1924. Survivorship is extremely low, with only about 1% of the original production believed to exist today.

Technical Data of the LaFayette Model 134

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The Model 134 was offered in numerous body styles—Touring, Sedan, Coupe, Torpedo, Roadster, Limousine—which today are all considered rare due to the limited production and even more diminished survivorship. No factory special editions are documented, but bespoke coachwork or rare surviving examples with original fittings are considered especially unique.

Engine, Performance, Transmission and Handling

The heart of the Model 134 is a 5.7-litre V8, delivering 100 hp at 2,750 rpm—an impressive figure for its time, supported by technical innovations such as a hollow crankshaft and twin water pumps. Power reaches the rear wheels via a three-speed manual gearbox and a fully-floating rear axle. The car’s robust chassis is paired with semi-elliptic leaf springs for controlled ride comfort. Steering uses a worm and sector system, typical for the era, and braking is provided by rear-only mechanical brakes. With its technically advanced drivetrain and construction, the Model 134 was engineered for smooth, stately progress over long distances. The Model 134 was manufactured in all body shapes available within the series, none of which stand out in terms of popularity given the limited numbers. Survivors in Touring, Sedan, Coupe, Torpedo, Roadster, and Limousine bodies are equally significant due to their rarity.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

LaFayette Model 134 interiors feature nickel-silver trim, a luxurious dashboard, wooden steering wheel and window surrounds, and functional accessories such as rear window blinds. Exterior details include a prism windscreen, Milwaukee-branded wheel hubs, a rear-mounted twin spare wheel arrangement, and, depending on the body, integrated luggage storage. Materials and finishes were considered opulent for the period, and design reflected the formal, imposing luxury standards of 1920s America. Thermostatic radiator shutters and double exhausts hint at attention to both technology and visual impression.

Other Features

Specific to the era and the Model 134, ancillary units were powered by durable Morse chains, and the vehicle employed an air pressure fuel delivery system—details that showcase the level of technical invention present in the LaFayette. Distinctive accessories such as the LaFayette Calormeter radiator mascot and bespoke Milwaukee hubcaps marked the brand’s identity in detail.

Summary

The LaFayette Model 134 remains an exceptional piece of American motoring history, defined by luxury, technical innovation, and low production. Each surviving example bears unique period features and a stately style that rivals contemporary top-end vehicles. Its status as the only LaFayette model represented in current supply and demand databases underscores both its rarity and its fascination for connoisseurs.