1925 Roamer 6...a classic?

Congratulations on your find. As Roamer only built some 212 cars in all of 1925, it is indeed a very unusual car. First of all, I don't know the significance of the "E in the model designation, it seems to have just appeared in about 1922, but for what reason I don't know.

There were two six cylinder models in 1925. The smaller, 6-50, was the car formerly known as the Barley Six. It's on a 115" wheelbase and used a Continental 7U engine. The serial number began with 35626. This model is not an accepted Full Classic.

The larger six, 6-45-E, is on a 128" wheelbase with a Continental 12XD engine, serial numbers atarting at 24756. This one is the Full Classic model.

I may be able to scrounge up more information if you need it. Either way, I hope you keep us posted on this interesting car.

Jon Lee

Hello John, thank you for the informative reply. I've done a little research on the rare Roamer in question since my last post, and have discovered it is the non-classic model, with the 115" wheelbase. Though it has the familiar Rolls-Royce-type Roamer radiator, it's definately the smaller car formerly known as the Barley. It also has wooden-spoke wheels, which seems to be unusual, as every picture I've found of the sporty Roamer roadsters and touring cars of the late 'teens though the 'twenties shows them riding on either wire or disc wheels. It appears that the Roamer company was possibly attempting to assemble and sell off what was left of the remaining Barley parts stock after the brand was discontinued.

It's a very rare and attractive rumble-seat roadster, nonetheless...and is available for sale in a recent issue of Hemmings, in case anyone is interested. It's also completely and nicely restored. Of the few surviving Roamers, this model must be especially rare, having been built for a very brief time.

Thanks again for the reply, John!

Jerry Garvin