It is a 1920 Noma Speedster. While the body was indeed built by Walton (not the Walton that built Auburn bodies), this is more accurately described as a manufactured car.
Promotional materials for the car stated:
The Noma Motor Corporation of New York City has incorporated in its new car principles of light construction learned during the year and a half when its factory was devoted to the making of aircraft wings for the government. The body is of aluminum. Aluminum is also used for the flywheel and transmission housing. The weight of the car is only 2,600 pounds.
A prototype speedster was built in the Walton Body Co. shops and the vehicle made its debut at the January 1919 New York Automobile Show.
The Noma looked very similar to the Kissel Silver-Special speedsters and was well received in the press. It was powered by a 55 hp 6-cylinder Continental and featured a 128 wheelbase aluminum-clad laminated hardwood chassis. The composite aluminum body was loosely based on Watsons popular Speedster bodies and looked particularly attractive on the low-slung chassis. Rounding out the package was an ovoid radiator, aluminum step plates, Houk wire wheels and cycle-style fenders front and rear.
Despite being in the midst of a post-war recession, the August 27, 1920, New York Times announced a recapitalization of the firm from $100,000 to $280,000.
The Noma was exhibited at the 1920, 1921 and 1922 New York Automobile Shows which were all held at the Grand Central Palace. Approximately 600 Nomas were built before production ended in 1923.
