History We ALL Love a DARE! PIX of TRULY Extinct Makes?

Hey, Jim, CONGRATS on the latest member of your auto family here! Forget about freight. I haven't been to Virginia Beach since 1965, so I'd be happy to go and drive the car back for you!

 

1897 Jeffery Co. Rambler with founder Thomas Jeffery
in the driver's seat. This early model was before Jeffery
began producing Ramblers by assembly line for the 1902
model year in Kenosha, WI.

 

Note that the '02 Rambler was still a pretty simply designed automobile.


1902 Rambler, made by Thomas Jeffrey Co., Kenosha, WI. For more
information and photos, please see: www.vccc.com/galleries/1900-
1915/pics1900-1915.htm on the web.

 

From the New York City Public Library, a photo of Henry Ford at
the tiller of his first car in 1896, dubbed the "quadricycle." At
barely 33, Ford was young enough to preside long over a coming
auto empire. But it would be 12 years -- and many models later --
before Ford hit a marketing home run with his famous Model T.
By that time, Ford was 45 years old, but his dream of an affordable
people's car was on its feet.



Sincere appreciation is expressed to
Wikipedia, the Free Online Encyclopedia
and the Wikimedia Commons Project
for this photo of the Ford Quadricycle.


Henry Ford had his first car, dubbed the "Quadricycle," up and running June 4, 1896, a few weeks after Charles Brady King first drove his own gas-powered car on the streets of Detroit. Seems we caught up with the replica of the FIRST car, of any kind, to ply the streets of what would become America's eventual auto capital: Detroit.



Sincere appreciation is expressed for this photo of Charles Brady King and helper Oliver Barthel which accompanies a fine article on King, written by Kit Foster on his online magazine, Carport. King was highly respected by his contemporaries, including personal friend, Henry Ford. Please read King's fascinating story in Kit's article, entitled "King of Kings." There is also an excellent life summary of King's life and accomplishments by Hemmings at: hemmings.com/clubsites/kingmotorcar/king.html



Reportedly in the Detroit Historical Society Museum, this is VERY
good, and I believe it MAY be the replica car made for Charles King's
1946 reenactment of his historic Detroit run of 1896. Among others,
the august event was attended by old friend and collaborator Henry
Ford, and pioneers with names like Apperson, Duryea and Oldfield.



Spiffy radiator ornament for a
Charles King auto, obviously
for a later model. Kings were
produced to 1923, then another
year in Buffalo, NY.

SWI, I've had trouble with finding nice pix of LATER King cars.
Since you're the Buffalo guru on this thread, can you try & see
what you can find, as far as a '24 or '25 model KING car?

 

CHARLES BRADY KING

Born February 2,1869 Angel Island, California
Considered by his peers to be the most versatile of the automotive pioneers. Engineer, artist, musician, poet, architect, inventor, and a mystic. Received a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering at Cornell University.
1891- King moved to Detroit
1893 - King exhibits 2 of his inventions at Worlds Columbia Expositions-pneumatic hammer for riveting and caulking and also a steel brake beam for railroad road cars.
Nov.28, 1895 - organized American Motor League to promote better roads.
March 6, 1896 - King drove the first car on the streets of Detroit-his design was powered by a four cycle, four cylinder block type, a type that became the industry standard. Henry Ford drove his car 3 months later.
1897 - King joined with partners H. Joy and John and Truman Newberry to build marine engines.
Circa 1898 - King enlists in Spanish American War along with his partners.
1900 - The partnership was dissolved and King sold the marine engine enterprise to the Olds Motor Works but was retained to oversee plant production.
1901 - The Olds Motor Works was destroyed by fire. King resigned and along with O. J. Mulford bought out Olds, rebuilt and operated the engine works as Michigan Yacht and power company.
1902 - King joined the Northern Manufacturing, CO. as chief engineer and designed and produced a series of models ranging from the single cylinder "Silent Northern" to the four cylinder engine 1907 Northern Model L.
1908 - King left for a 2 year trip to Europe to study art and European automotive design.
1911 - King returned from Europe in late 1910 and the King Motor Car Company was incorporated in February 1911 and the first models were named "Silent 36".
1914 - King introduced his first V-8 engine, this was 3 months after Cadillac, but it was advertised as "The worlds first popular priced V-8".
1914 -1924 - King's role at the King Motor Car Company became less clear. He directed the production of the King-Bugatti airplane engines during World War 1.
1924 - King built "Dolfincour" a sizable estate in Larchmont, New York.
January 26,1925 - King received a medal, bestowed by the National Chamber of Commerce, honoring him as "one of the main contributors to the mechanical development of the automobile.
1946 - King re- created his first drive at the Automotive Golden Jubilee held in Detroit, Michigan. Among those also present were Edgar Apperson, Frank Duryea, Henry Ford, Charles Nash, Barney Oldfield, & Ransome Olds. June 23,1957 - Charles Brady King died leaving a legend, some 70 patents 40 of them in the automotive category, and bequeathing a $500,000 antique & classic collection to The Henry Ford Museum.

 

1917 King, Model EE 28.8 SAE hp. V-8 engine weighing 740 lbs. 282.7 cu. in. Piston displ. 60 mph top speed; 4.6:1 gear ratio; 10-gal. Radiator cap. With thermo sipshon cooling system. Atwater-Kent ignition, with generator and electric starter. 34 x 4 high-pressure tires. Owned by Frank Alberti, Seattle, WA



1917 Model EE King 4-passenger "Foursome" in the 1998 Magnolia Parade

1923
The final year of production was 1923. They produced a Model L and a Model LL. The Model LL Touring Car sold for $1,595 and the L Touring Car for $1,795; LL Roadster - $1,595; L Roadster - $1,795; LL Foursome - $1,595; L Foursome - $1,595; LL Coupe - $2,200; L Coupe - $2,500; LL Sedan - $2,400; L Sedan - $2,650; LL Sedanette - $1,995 and the L Sedanette for $2,295. About the only difference between the LL and the L is that the LL had a 120-inch Wheelbase, and the L a 124-inch wheelbase. The last photo of the 1923 L Touring is the last known surviving King Motor Car.<TABLE width=600 align=center><TBODY><TR align=middle><TD vAlign=top>

1923 King Model L Touring</TD><TD vAlign=top>

1923 Model L-LL Foursome</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE width=600 align=center><TBODY><TR align=middle><TD vAlign=top>

1923 Model L-LL Roadster</TD><TD vAlign=top>

1923 Model L-LL Sedan</TD><TD vAlign=top>

1923 Model L-LL Sedanette</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE width=600 align=center><TBODY><TR align?center?><TD vAlign=top>

1923 Model L-LL Touring</TD><TD vAlign=top>

1923 Model L-LL Coupe</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

Conflicting information, my Herman Sass book says it goes to 1924(5) but the other info I see says 1923 was the last year.
I imagine the body changes were not noticeable in case there was a 1924.

King Motor Car Co. Detroit Mich. 1909-1923
King Motor Car Co. Buffalo NY 1923-1924
Charles B. King built his first motorcar in Detroit in 1896 with a 4-cylinder horizontal engine, and later designed 2 and 4-cylinder cars for Northern. He formed his own company in 1909 and its first product was a 4-cylinder 35 HP car with central gear change. This and a companion 30 HP model were made up to 1915 when a small V-8 under 4 liters was introduced. From 1916 onwards only 8-cylinder cars were made, there being two models off 26 and 29 HP. Prices ranged from $1,400 for a 1917 tourer to $4,235 for a 1921 Sedan. this inflation although general in the industry, hit King sales, which slumped from a maximum of 3,000 per year in 1916 to only 240 in 1923, the year that King moved to a smaller plant in buffalo. A number of Kings were sold in England before and after the war. they were handled by Salmone of Newport Pagnell who fitted some of them with their own coupe bodies, and despite the fact that the American company failed, the promotors pushed the king into 1925 as a new car.

1923
The final year of production was 1923. They produced a Model L and a Model LL. The Model LL Touring Car sold for $1,595 and the L Touring Car for $1,795; LL Roadster - $1,595; L Roadster - $1,795; LL Foursome - $1,595; L Foursome - $1,595; LL Coupe - $2,200; L Coupe - $2,500; LL Sedan - $2,400; L Sedan - $2,650; LL Sedanette - $1,995 and the L Sedanette for $2,295. About the only difference between the LL and the L is that the LL had a 120-inch Wheelbase, and the L a 124-inch wheelbase. The last photo of the 1923 L Touring is the last known surviving King Motor Car.<TABLE width=600 align=center><TBODY><TR align=middle><TD vAlign=top>

1923 King Model L Touring</TD><TD vAlign=top>

1923 Model L-LL Foursome</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE width=600 align=center><TBODY><TR align=middle><TD vAlign=top>

1923 Model L-LL Roadster</TD><TD vAlign=top>

1923 Model L-LL Sedan</TD><TD vAlign=top>

1923 Model L-LL Sedanette</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE width=600 align=center><TBODY><TR align?center?><TD vAlign=top>

1923 Model L-LL Touring</TD><TD vAlign=top>

1923 Model L-LL </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

 

Babcock Electric Carriage Company (1906-1912)

​

Source​

In the early twentieth century, Francis A. Babcock founded the Babcock Electric Carriage Company in Buffalo, NY. At the time, Babcock offered consumers an electric alternative to 1908&#65533;&#8364;&#8482;s popular Model T, and the previous century&#65533;&#8364;&#8482;s horse drawn carriage. The cars costs between $1,800 and $3,800, compared to $850 for the Model T. When these amounts are adjusted for inflation today, they would cost the consumer $42,000-$89,000 to purchase a Babcock vehicle. Due to the high cost and low sales for Babcock, they eventually merged with Buffalo Electric Vehicle Company in 1912 to cut costs. But by 1915, the company was completely bankrupt and had to shut down all operations.

 

Nu-Klea (1959-1960)

Source​

Nu-Klea Automobile Corporation was a car company based out of Lansing, Michigan in the late 1950&#65533;&#8364;&#8482;s. The company&#65533;&#8364;&#8482;s one car was an electrically powered two-seater, which was called the Starlite. Because this car was expensive to produce, not many were sold. And after only a year and a half in business the company filled for bankruptcy.
Corbin Motors (1999-2003)

Source​

Corbin Motors was founded to create pure electric, and gas efficient hybrid vehicles. Though they seemed to have the future in mind, since its inception, the company was marred by litigation and lawsuits by its main shareholders. Throughout the company&#65533;&#8364;&#8482;s shot life span they released the Corbin Sparrow and the Corbin Merlin,of which the Sparrow was designed for use by Dominos Pizza chain. Eventually, Corbin Motors filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy in March of 2003 due to the inability to produce a more affordable production system and looming litigation. Meyers Motors has since purchased Corbin and continues to produce the Sparrow and Merlin.

 

Nice pic of an EARLY KING automobile!


1914 King 35-hp roadster

 

A group of mostly female motorists gathered before the fountain at the Albright Art Gallery c. 1909. The photo appeared in the catalog of the
Babcock Automobile Company of Buffalo. They were sitting in a style called the "stanhope" (also manufactured by other
companies) which featured a single bench seat, folding cloth top, front buckboard, and tiller steering. A 1904 Buffalo stanhope
cost $1640 ($33, 864 in 2005 dollars). At this stage in automobile manufacturing, all vehicles were purchased by the wealthy.



A typical wealthy Buffalo couple might have two automobiles: an electric for the women in the family and a gasoline auto for the
men in the family. The electric automobile was quiet, easy to operate, and emission-free; it was also heavy, slow, unable to
climb hills, and in need of recharging after 20-50 miles. Such a vehicle was quickly marketed to women, doctors, delivery
businesses and others residing in an urban environment where electricity for recharging was available. The gasoline automobile
had already been adopted by men for its speed and "portability," i.e. it could "tour" in rural areas and be re-fueled at gasoline
stations that quickly sprang up around Western New York. The Buffalo Automobile Club was a touring club for
gasoline vehicles; its membership was male.


The Buffalo Electric Carriage Company garage at 240 W. Utica Street, lined with new Stanhopes c. 1905.

Although in 1900, equal numbers of electric-, gasoline- and steam-powered automobiles were produced
in the U.S., it quickly became apparent that electrics would not succeed in competition with gasoline
models (becoming more reliable each year) unless a revolution in the electric battery came about that
would result in a lighter battery that would produce more power for a longer run per charge. Thomas
Edison took on this challenge (see his optimism here) and did produce an early alkaline battery, but
it was not powerful enough to replace the lead-acid battery then used in electrics.
In 1908, there were 300 electric automobiles privately owned in Buffalo; more were used daily by
delivery companies. But Henry Ford had begun mass-production of gasoline vehicles in 1904, driving down
the price of owning an automobile. And in 1913, a battery-powered electric starter eliminated the
dangerous manual crank-starting of automobiles, opening the way for widespread ownership by women.
The Buffalo Electric Carriage Company (1900 - 1906), which became the Babcock Electric Carriage
Company (1906 - 1912), changed its ownership again in 1912. It became The Buffalo Electric Vehicle Company
and had a short life. It continued manufacturing at the 1911 complex at 1219-1247 Main Street in
Buffalo (at Northhampton St.) but by 1916, it was out of business, one of 30 automakers that came and went in
Buffalo in the twentieth century.
N.B. The Buffalo Electric Vehicle Company building still stands in 2006 and is being transformed
by Art Space into artists' residential and work space. ​

 

I am confused . The bodywork looks very similar to the Babcock Electirc that SWI66 posted

The Babcock Automobile & The H. H. Babcock Co.

Babcock
The H. H. Babcock Co.
Watertown, NY
1909-1913

The Babcock was an American Automobile made by an 1882 carriage company in Watertown, New York beginning in 1909. The Babcock line included a Runabout, as well as a Touring Car, Landaulet and Limousine. Officers in The H. H. Babcock Co. included President and Treasurer G. H. Babcock, Vice-President A. R. Flower and Secretary F. W. Babcock.

The Runabout shown below was equipped with a two cylinder engine. Larger Babcock's were equipped with larger four cylinder engines rated at 35/40 horsepower. A five passenger 1910 Babcock Model 30 Touring car had a wheelbase of 114 inches.

<CENTER></CENTER><CENTER> </CENTER>

1910 Babcock Two Passenger Runabout​

The Babcock was really a High Wheeler or Motor Buggy even though the 1910 Babcock advertisement above claimed it was an Automobile. A High Wheeler or Motorized Buggy was an American Automobile that was popular between 1907 and 1912. Over 70 firms built High Wheelers during this period. The best know High Wheelers were Holsman, International and Sears.
<CENTER>
1909 Babcock Model A Runabout</CENTER>
<CENTER>
1905 Babcock Carriages</CENTER>The foundation of the H. H. Babcock Company was started by H. H. Babcock in 1845, when he began making wooden pumps and wooden pipes. This industry was carried on until 1882, when Babcock formed a company to manufacture carriages. The H. H. Babcock Company made high grade carriages

 

Swi said: The cars costs between $1,800 and $3,800.

Jimi: Holy crap! No WONDER Babcock eventually went out of business! Nice as they were, the VAST majority of U.S. citizens made well under a dollar an hour and only made a few hundred dollars a year.

Speaking for myself, the HIGH COST OF BUILDING cars prior to WWI has really emerged as a big factor in why so many companies oculdn't stay with it.

 

SWI, this one is a surprise to me. Maybe because it came and went so quickly, it flew under the radar! It, in fact, would have been a virtual CONTEMPORARY of the Henney Kilowatt (based on a Renault Dauphine, of course). The Kilowatt ('58-'60) could run highway speed, according to Wikipedia, and had the same hydraulic brakes as the Renault.

So, my question is: Where the hell did the Nu-Klea (1959-1960) come from? I mean, was it ALSO based on some little European car like the Kilowatt was? And, there's nothing about features, speed, range, etc. These "early" revival electrics are pretty interesting!!!

​

PS: Wiki stated that the Sparrow has been discontinued. Don't know how they figure that. Maybe not aware of another buyer???

 

Thanks, EVERYBODY, for pix of the Charles KING cars. I really believe King is one of the most deserving -- yet virtually unknown TODAY-- fathers of American automobiling. A great engineer, he was, nevertheless, interested in FAR more pursuits than just building cars. He was instrumental in early design trends for the four-cycle engine and the V-8, as well as the King-Bugatti aircraft engine for WWI.

Some of the things I find MOST fascinating about King include (1) his generous help with Henry Ford's earliest car, (2) his patriotism (leaving a going business to enlist in the Spanish-American War), (3) his passion for invention (he held some 70 patents), and (4) his 1895 (!) organization of the American Motor League for critically needed road and highway improvement.

 

I just keep thinking about what a nice, mild crosswind would do...

 

Last messages about the cream yellow Cord, is thats in bad condition already some years ago, but should be in process of restore by owner.
After this message about 15y.ago, none more has come.....
I´ll send you a message if some comes up, did requested info in Norway.

 

Thanks Leaded for all the info on Sonya Hjenies Cords. Very Much Appreciated.

Jim

 

I'd be happy to have you drive it back for me but I haven't heard a thing.
Darn it anyways. Some people are just so Gullible. LOL

 

The Auto Body Company of Lansing Michigan was an early supplier of coachwork to automobile manufacturers located in Lansing, Michigan.

The former Auto Body Co plant at 1301-1307 N. Turner St. became known as the Terzian building and during the 1950s, the Kish Plastics Company produced a prototype electric auto there called the NuKlea. Unfortunately the large structure was destroyed by a spectacular fire that took place on February 27, 1971. At that time the structure was the home of Benny’s Furniture Warehouse. Today a Sir Pizza restaurant occupies the southeast corner of the property at 201 E. Grand River Ave.

Starlite star bright




Two versions of the Nu Klea by Kish in Lansing MI. Production never really
got under way because of problems with funding the project. The red Starlite
model has quite a nice sporty look to it.

A new breed of electric autos emerged after World War II. Many independent manufacturers tried their hand at building an electric that could operated cheaply and travel farther on a charge. But the battery weight and a range that was still lacking remained problems.
Some of these companies were already in the auto industry, including Kish Industries of Lansing, Mich., a tooling supplier. Its jaunty Nu-Klea Starlite — advertisements showed one with a clear bubble top — was only a short time away from production, according to letters sent to prospective purchasers in 1961. Priced at $3,950 without a radio or a heater, the car promised “a well designed body and chassis using lead acid batteries to supply the motive energy, a serviceable range of 40 miles with speeds on the order of 40 miles an hour.”
By 1965, another letter from Nu-Klea told a different story. “We did a great deal of work on the electric car and spent a large amount of money to complete it, then ran out of funds, so it has been temporarily shelved.” The Nu-Klea was not heard from again.

 

HJ, I don't know where you come up with some of this stuff. It must take persistence and a lot of good resources.

The Kish NuKlea seem a case of history repeating itself, doesn't it? A well-intentioned but under-funded company, an expectant and hopeful public. But, the outcome is a foregone conclusion -- again.

SO, it sounds as only ONE protype was built? I WONDER if someone kept and protected it. Or, is it EXTINCT?

There ARE examples of the Henney Kilowatt, some even that run.

 

Hey, Mac, when you're right, you are RIGHT! AND I don't think delivering pizzas would be the most appropriate use of this car. You couldn't corner hard at all, and it's so NARROW that it looks as though the pizzas would have to be carried on END!!! LOL

 

Jimi- Please check your email.

 

Don't think this photo's been on before, but it's a NICE (if a tad blurry) illustration of the fancy type of auto the very FIRST 1907 Cartercar actually was. With more than its share of innovations and appointments, these were costly for the time. Of course, Cartercar was financially overhauled in 1916 and subsequently the Carter company built only the more conventional Washington brand of automobiles.


1907 Cartercar touring, owned by one Mr. Frank Hurley

 

It's ALWAYS something, eh? I learned today that Woody Woodill made a KIDS' version of the Wildfire, called the "Brushfire" -- not a joke. I can't find a picture anywhere. Did any survive? Did any even SELL???

Real thing:

 

The Story Of The "Junior R"
One-Of-A-Kind Auto Built In Lockport<!--mstheme-->

The story of "Junior R" began in 1923 at the old Harrison plant on Washburn St. where Lockportian, Wellington W. Muir, was engaged in engineering and research activities. Although he was assigned to Harrison, he was under contract to United Motors, Inc. of which Harrison was a subsidiary from 1916 to 1918 when United Motors and Harrison became a part of General Motors Corporation.
During one of his business trips to Harrison, John J. Raskob, a prominent industrialist, financier and General Motors vice president, asked Mr. Muir to design and build a special car for his son John Raskob, Jr.
The result was a unique car, truly the only one of its kind. It featured an all-aluminum body and various components from other car manufacturers such as Chevrolet, Cadillac and Oakland. The "Junior R" was enjoyed by Mr. Raskob's son for two years and was given back to Mr. Muir as a personal gift from Mr. Raskob.
During the intervening years, Mr. Muir licensed and drove the car regularly. In 1971 he decided the "Junior R" should go back home where it was built and so presented the car to Harrison. The car was taken to the Engineering Dept. garage where restoration work was started.
Every effort was made to keep the restoration authentic by retaining original components wherever possible. The original radiator, a famous Harrison "Hexagon," was cleaned and flushed and even after almost a half century required only the repair of a few minor leaks. New tires were mounted and a new battery was installed. The leather seats were reupholstered and a new vinyl coated top was made. The four cylinder engine was torn down for a complete overhaul and the electrical system was rewired. Several of the components were repaired or rebuilt in the engineering sample shop. Many of the engine parts were nickel plated, just as they were when the car was built in 1923. Then "Junior R" was painted to closely match its original color.
Some years later the Junior R was donated to the Niagara County Historical Museum where it on public display today. The picture below is one view of the auto.

Our Readers Comment​

I wish to add some information to what Dick Lang covered in his posting awhile back. I just caught up with it.. Lockport had a very significant designer, inventor and engineer in Mr.Muir. He was very good friends with John J. Raskob. A present for the Rascob's son he designed and hand built the 'Junior R'. It stayed in the Rascob's family and then did go back to the Muirs. I had the chance to ride in it when I was a youngster. It did eventually go to the Smithsonian Institute. It was not the only hand built car he put together. The Muirs had no children. I spent several evenings on his ham radio in the attic talking to folks all over the world. Some three acres behind his house on Walnut Street were an Antenna Farm. I think they were originally, Mr. & Mrs., from Sweden but nicer folks you couldn't ask for.
John K. Miller
<!--mstheme-->Of course "The Junior R" is back in Lockport today at the Niagara County Historical Society. I, too, recall Wellington Muir and his giant radio station. --- Editor.



There is one more car located in the transportation building, a 1954 Pontiac, the first car with factory installed air conditioning by GM.............swi66<!--mstheme-->

 

Yes, SWEET car! I'll bet it's not on ANY list, either.

 

Have not checked any of the "lists",
But it is listed in the Herman Sass book, and it is about 8 miles from my house. I've seen it before, as well as the Pontiac they have there.
It's kind of lonely where it is as there are not a lot of car people who will go out of their way to go to a museum to see two cars.
I have to get out to the Clarence Historical Society where probably the only remaining Buffalo Truck resides.

There is even a car Museum in Nearby Wilson NY, there they have about 18-20 cars, but not well maintained. They do not have the resources to properly clean them. Last time I was there you could not see in the windows they were so dirty.
Their collection includes:
Covert
Metz
Avanti
Citicar
68 Corvair
59 Cadillac
and several others I can't remember off the top of my head.