Unknown Thor

[scootertramp46]

I talked to person at the Seal Cove Museum yesterday, who had questions about 1912/1913 Thor. He was wondering if it was a factory prototype. It has professional badging on tank as a "New rotary manifold motor". It has a lot of modifications which could be experimental by factory or private racer. Does anyone know about it's origins, have picture of it in the day, or general information ?

[pem]

That is one interesting motor. I hope you can find more information on it.

[exeric]

To me it looks like the Thor was the foundation for someone's ambitious motor research. If it was a Thor works project, there would probably be the Thor name, or nothing on the tank. The "New Rotary Manifold Motor" painted in that bold font, without mention of Thor makes me think it's a 'one-off' that someone was trying to promote, and get funding for. Erwin Baker was a big proponent of rotary valve engines and built one that still exists (I believe Buzz Walneck owned it). It makes you wonder if Erwin Baker had something to do with this motor as it looks well thought out.