Review written on 3/1940.

Philadelphia Motors just released a new Phaeton called the Athletic. We've been waiting to see this vehicle in person. And now that we have, we can make our opinions known. Is it truly better than the class leader? The Liberty Bell. Or is even the lowly Elf better than it? Read to find out more!


I was giddy when I heard we were testing Philadelphia Motors Athletic. On the track this thing is fast. How fast? Notice there are no pictures on this page? That fast! This is one of the fastest Phaeton I've ever been in. As impressive as that sounds, the 79 hp @ 3258RPMs 4778 cc I3 engine is even more impressive. Peddle to the metal, this baby will do 89 mph easily. And in a straight line we hit a 22.174s 0 to 60 mph! We found that with 103 lb-ft of torque this machine can tow an impressive 22 lbs. When it comes to handling, the Philadelphia Motors Athletic is one of the worst Phaeton we have tested. We fear for our lives any time there is a slight bend in the road. Mommy can I keep it? Please?!


The Philadelphia Motors Athletic reminds me of jail. The longer you're inside of it the less you want to be there. The interior is drab and non-existent. Devoid of form or functionality. There is nothing there. Nothing to write about. Just horrible, cold, nothingness. And that is how you can best describe the Athletic's insides.

When it comes to cargo, its 29 cu-ft of space is better than most vehicles of its type, but far from the best. We believe there is enough room in the Philadelphia Motors Athletic to fill all your needs without over doing it.

The Philadelphia Motors Athletic has just enough labor of love in it to make it better than most other vehicles. Even though it came off an assembly line you can tell that the employees at Philadelphia Motors love their job. This is reflected in the quality of material and workmanship used to finish the product.


The Philadelphia Motors Athletic is a reliable car that we would trust our dear old grandmother with. These things are almost bulletproof.

The Philadelphia Motors Athletic's fuel economy is impressive, but not in a good way. The Athletic's 17.3 mpg is one of the worst in class. This might not be troublesome when you look at the numbers, but it will be when you actually have to pay for it.

If safety was your priority, then this isn't the best on the market. That being said it's better than a lot of vehicles as well. The folks at Philadelphia Motors didn't make safety their focus, but there are enough features here to keep most people's minds at ease. And that's pretty much the jest of the thing. The Philadelphia Motors Athletic is average in all respects.


Some may be able to point to other Phaeton and say this is better. This is prettier. This is the best Phaeton. But they would be wrong. Because beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Behold the Philadelphia Motors Athletic it may not be everything for everyone. But it is certainly something for someone.