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

Sears, 1906 - 1911. There seems to be very LITTLE info available
on these! ANYBODY know who made them, where they were made?



1911 SEARS two-cylinder, air-cooled. Photo from Special Cars
for Special People, Pub. KRUSE Intl.

 

Yo, SunRoof! Thanks for taking iniative on the '21-'28 Murray-Mac !!! One or two a year? NO WONDER I HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND ANYTHING. Well, the folks over at ACCA will, I bet, like the challenge!

Unless someone attached to the company had a special interest, THIS sounds like one that may be EXTINCT!

No, I don't a have a copy of the encyclopedia, BUT I SURELY WISH I DID!!! IF YOU CAN LOCATE A PIC, i'D BE IN YOUR DEBT, BUDDY.

 

Sears, Roebuck, & Co. began the sale of motor vehicles through its 1908 catalog, the same year Henry Ford introduced the Model T. Sears advertised the 36-in. high wheels as "the proper height to give the road clearance necessary and to give the most satisfactory service and the least vibration." In all, 3,500 were sold through the catalog between 1908 and 1912.

Definitely not extinct

http://forums.aaca.org/f129/sears-highwheelers-invade-detroit-268484

Also referred to as The Sears Motor Buggy

http://searsmotorbuggy.com/

 

SunRoofCord, now THAT is fast research!!! You like a challenge, don't you??? Bravo!!!

Damn! That means that the ALLSTATE was definitely NOT the FIRST car sold thorugh the sears catlogue, too, am I right?

THANKS, man!

 

You are correct about the Allstate not being the first car sold through the Sears catalog. If you re read the thread on the Allstate, you will notice that the earlier Sears were mentioned. Some of this stuff I just know from being around old cars all my life. Some I have to research. Sometimes, some thing some one posts triggers a memory. I consider myself some what of an Automotive Historian but there has definitly been stuff come up in this thread that I've never heard of. It's been a lot of fun and I've learned things too.

 

SunRoofCord wrote: You are correct about the Allstate not being the first car sold through the Sears catalog. If you re read the thread on the Allstate [Actually, if you are talking about a HAMB thread on the Allstate, no I had not re-read it, much less read it. It take a LONG time to sife through 3.8 million posts! LOL], you will notice that the earlier Sears were mentioned. Some of this stuff I just know from being around old cars all my life [With ya, there, man].
Some I have to research. Sometimes, some thing some one posts triggers a memory. I consider myself some what of an Automotive Historian but there has definitly been stuff come up in this thread that I've never heard of. It's been a lot of fun and I've learned things too. [RFC, I know what you mean. I think everybody who gets onto the HAMB-net brings some degree of experience AND, surely, enthsuiasm to the table. MOST HAMBers are not here just to lurk. They want to BOTH CONTRIBUTE AND LEARN -- 'cause ya can NEVER, ever know enough about things that happened before any of us were even alive.]

So, ANY-who, YES-BY-GUM!!!!!! This thread has been WAY more interesting -- and valuable to HAMBERS (hopefully) than I ever dreamed when I resurrected an earlier theme. In obvious truth, it's ALSO attracted SEVERAL pretty well-qualified pro and amateur EARLY-auto historians. This is darn cool, since the roots of trad hotrodding go back to the very COMPETITIVE spirit of humans beings themselves . . .so, naturally, that translated into competition as soon as viable cars were plying America's primitive 1890s/early-1900s roads!!!

Yo, bunch o' FUN! I hope this thread goes on 'til we discuss every obscure, forgotten make, every bit of early tech experimentation & early technology, every strange body & suspension construction and design. Thanks, RunRoof, HJ, Swi, NedLudd, etc., etc.! SALUTE!!!

 

Thanks, HJ & everybody who has talked about
the FoMoCo stainless cars. Had they NOT done
this, people would always be wondering about
viability and looks (DeLorean not withstanding).
Sure, these has been covered on the HAMB a
bunch. So what? Still fun to revisit a FAVE
theme. What the hell would guys talk about in
a bar, if previously discussed subjects couldn't
be brought up again??? LOL

 

I noticed the Frontenac was mentioned but it is commonly related to Ford or Durant Motor Cars. There was another company the Frontenac Motor Car circa 1909 manufactured by Abendroth & Root Manufacturing in Newburgh N.Y. There is Said To Be one in the mid-west, but its never been confirmed to my knowledge. Locally we have a engine plate and a couple of illustrations. I located these from a sale brochure. I have an acquaintance who has an early Frontenac Ford run-a-bout (Chevy body, Ford engine) he has had it out to local shows. i'd have to locate a picture.

 

I saw a American Underslung Touring car built in the mid to late teens. The frame was under the axles to get it lower neat car.

 

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Frontenac 5 ton truck. <!--show only one date (key_date), based on created 1st, pub 2nd, depicted 3rd-->(1909)
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Frontenac Touring car. <!--show only one date (key_date), based on created 1st, pub 2nd, depicted 3rd-->(1909)


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Every obscure and forgotten make?
Could take awhile!
I have barely touched my personal library that includes every issue of Automobile Quarterly since it started in 1962.
Have been looking through my encyclopedia of automobiles, barely scratched the surface there........

I'm really enjoying this thread, so much great info, keep it up!

 

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[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Monaco]This 1903 Krieger proves that there is nothing new under the sun. This car is a front wheel drive electric-gasoline hybrid car and has power steering. A gasoline engine supplements the battery pack. Between 1890 and 1910, there were many hybrid electric cars and four wheel drive electric cars. Electric cars were more expensive than gasoline cars and electrics were considered more reliable and safer. With the development of the starter motor for gasoline cars and increased range of gasoline cars, most people public interest switched from electrics to gasoline by 1915.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Monaco] LIQUID AIR CAR COMPANY 1903 This interesting car, while not electric, is unusual since it shows that early vehicle manufacturers were trying every possible technology. This one is powered by liquefied air (rather cold!). Below is a diagram of how the vehicle worked.[/FONT]


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The first generation of electrics was very much an American phenomenon, brought about by a very particular mix of urban form and urban demographics.

I'm no fan of electric cars as such. I regard them as no ecological solution because a truly sustainable urban form would have very limited use for the sort of performance envelope any electric simple and transparent enough to be manufactured on a sustainable industrial model would offer. Electric trams, yes; electric milk floats, certainly; electric farm tractors, even, quite a good idea actually: but electric cars? The only role I can see is a sort of low-speed limousine, something doing the job sedan chairs did in the 18th century, only somewhat bigger: which indeed recalls those early cars.

Having said that, I can conceive an electric hot-rod, though the only approach that works for me is in that early, horse-drawn-carriage idiom. I can see something like a low-roofed brougham slung low between tall wheels (I'm talking "donk" diameters, but not necessarily that look), with massive battery boxes front and rear, brass-lantern lighting, carriage-style fittings, etc. All the running gear would be under the back seat.

Not that I particularly want one. If I had to make a list it'd be some way down it ...

 

NeddLudd wrote: "I can conceive an electric hot-rod, though the only approach that works for me is in that early, horse-drawn-carriage idiom. I can see something like a low-roofed brougham slung low between tall wheels (I'm talking "donk" diameters, but not necessarily that look), with massive battery boxes front and rear, brass-lantern lighting, carriage-style fittings, etc. All the running gear would be under the back seat."

Jimi: I'm down with the concept! I want one with lakers, twin spots & wide whites -- oh, & flames.

Seriously, though, I wish one of the HAMB PhotoShop gurus would/could mock up a brasslamp-era hotrod such as you describe, Dawie! That would be FUN to see!!! Where's JamesD when we need him???

 

Swi, I've wracked my brain and still don't believe I have EVER heard of an air-powered car. Isn't this a first for this thread?
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HistoryNY, thanks for bringing up the Frontenac by Abendroth & Root (keen artwork on the literature!). And thanks HJManiac for the great Frontenac pix!!! The chain-drive truck is wild (but, hey, the way LOTS of heavy trucks worked back in that era!). HORSEPOWER was decent for the time! The PRICES seem astronomical, though!!!
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Not to be a smart-ass (well, actually, yeah!), but to me it doesn't look like this '03 Kreiger would get out of the turns very fast! Check out the suspension & high center of gravity. I don't even want to talk about wind drag!!!

 

I believe there was a Frenchman recently who concerted a Renault to run on compressed air. It was touted as the Next Big eco-friendly Thing, but there are grave problems with the concept. Compressing air heats it up, and you lose most of the energy you put in through radiant heat from the air container, especially if you plan on parking the car for any considerable (and eco-friendly) length of time ...

 

A Mohs Safarikar built by the Mohrs Seaplane company of Madison, WI. Car features a full naugahyde upholstered exterior, retractable top and sliding doors. Designed to seat eight or sleep three in comfort. Powered by an International V8

1 of 3 built....ONE was recently spotted "For Sale"....So, at least ONE survives

 

American Underslung

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The American Underslung was an American automobile, the brainchild of Harry Stutz and designer Fred Tone, manufactured in Indianapolis from 1905 to 1914.

* 1 Design
* 2 Versions
* 3 Updates to the Underslung
* 4 Fall of the Manufacturer


Design

The American Underslung's chassis design and huge 40-inch (1,016 mm) wheels gave it a distinctive appearance and it was noticeably lower than other cars from the same era. The chassis was hung below the axles rather than set atop them, with the engine and transmission mass moved closer to the ground lowering the center of gravity and giving sports car appearance and handling. The design mounted the engine and body within the frame rails rather than the on top as with other cars of the era. Developed in collaboration with Harry Stutz, the 1905 Underslung "was one of the most significant, if unsung, automobiles of this century's first decade.

The automobiles were marketed at the upper price range the market. Prices for the American Underslung ranged from US$1,250 to $4,000. The cars came with Teetor-Harley 6.4 L (391 cu in) straight-4 engines producing 40 hp (30 kW), as measured by an old system, and starting in 1908 a 7.8 L (476 cu in) with 50 hp (37 kW) became available.

Versions

The American Underslung came in several versions:

* A two door sports version, called the "Scout Roadster".
* Around 1909, American introduced a four-passenger Underslung dubbed

"The Traveler".

* The car was also available from 1905 to 1908 with a conventional chassis design; this model was called the "American Tourist". It came in another version, a two door sports version, called the Scout Roadster.

Updates to the Underslung

In 1910, the horsepower rating for the engine was increased to 60 hp (45 kW) by enlarging the cylinder bore and adding pressurized lubrication.

In 1913, electric starters and lights became available on the Underslungs.
Fall of the Manufacturer

The American Underslung marketing slogan was "The Car For The Discriminating Few" and apparently there were few buyers. Although new models were introduced for 1914 and the company continued to boast the American Underslung was &#8220;America&#8217;s Most Luxurious Car,&#8221; at a time when the end came with the firm was put into receivership in November 1913.

1911 American Underslung in the Petersen Automotive Museum
1913 American Underslung

 

SunRoof: When built? Was it a '70s thing? Seems ill conceived. Maybe if they were doing it as a one-off "show" car, it might make some sense. But they must have cost a small fortune, eh? That said, though, I dig the hood ornament (but I'll bet PETA doesn't !!! LOL).

 

Stutz's influence seems unmistakable, eh, RunRoof?
Sounds like an excellent, well-handling, FAST car for
its time -- but VERY poorly marketed!!! Priced them-
selves right out of business, didn't they?

 

So, Dawie, do you think compressed-air technology might SOMEHOW be used, perhaps in an "auxilliary" role, for some net energy saving? I have a vague thought of air being compressed during a car's DECELERATION, then almost immediately employed during ACCELERATION.

???

 

Mohs

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mohs was an automobile make built by the Mohs Seaplane Corporation of Madison, Wisconsin (United States). Bruce Mohs, the company founder, built limited-production automobiles on chassis built to custom specifications by the International Harvester Company. Automobiles by Mohs were built between 1967 and 1979.

Mohs produced two models, both considered exotic.

* 1 Ostentatienne Opera Sedan
* 2 SafariKar

Ostentatienne Opera Sedan

The Ostentatienne Opera Sedan was offered at a F.O.B. price of $19,600 (1967), had a weight of 5,740 lb (2,600 kg), and sat on a 119 in (3.02 m) wheelbase. Prices have also been quoted at $25,600. Tires for the vehicle were nitrogen filled 7.50&#8221;x20&#8221; (USA). The Ostentatienne was powered by an International Harvester truck engine. Entry into the car was from the rear; solid steel side rails (designed to protect passengers during a crash) prevented doors along the vehicles sides. The Ostentatienne could be ordered customized to suit its buyer&#8217;s wishes; Ming styled oriental rugs, refrigerators and sealed beam taillights were some of the options available. Production is estimated at three to four vehicles per year.

SafariKar

The SafariKar was produced between 1972 and 1979, and was no less exotic than the Ostentatienne. SafariKars were aluminum bodied automobiles, the exterior of which were upholstered in Naugahyde (vinyl) stretched over foam padding. Doors for the vehicle opened outward from the body on linear rods, again for side impact protection. The vehicle had a retractable hard top system. Options for the SafariKar included a television, four-wheel drive, two-way radio and "butane furnace."

 

After the earlier Frontenac post (Abendroth & Root), I was
curious & did some 'net snooping. I was surprised (and a tad
confused at times) SO, I welcome anyone with solid facts to
correct any inacuracies or generalities I may have committed
in the brief summary below!



Frontenac is one of those myriad auto name-
lates largely forgotten today. But, few other
car names have died and been resurrected as
often! And for a relatively obscure marque,
Frontenac was associated with some of the
giants of the auto industry and racing while
plying a truly winding road through auto history.

Frontenac (1906 -1913) Abendroth & Root, New York

Frontenac Motor Corp. (1916 -1921) Louis & Gaston
Chevrolet made their own race cars, after selling their
namesake company. (Gaston won the 1920 Indy 500 in
a Frontenac.) They retired from racing after 1921.

Frontenac (1921 -1925) Apparently, the Chevrolet
brothers continued building race cars through 1925.
Records seem to show that at least some were based
upon Ford's Model T chassis; "Ford Frontenac" cars
appeared several times during this era in major races,
including the Indy 500.

Frontenac (1931-1933) First by Durant ('31/'32), in
Canada, then renamed Dominion Motors by new owners
('32-'33). In this short time span, "Frontenac" cars were
based, variously, on Durant, then DeVeaux, and finally
Continental models.

Frontenac (1960) Ford badged & marketed the Falcon
in Canada as the Frontenac. This was to give Canadian
Mercury-Meteor dealers a compact to sell in that exploding
market niche.

 

Looks like what I understood.

 

UMMMM! What's a RunRoof???? Sounds like that cartoon dog Scooby Doo talking. LOL. I know it's just a typo. No biggie. Here's a picture of where the screen name SunRoofCord comes from. It's one of two Cords known with Rollston Installed Sun Roofs. This picture is from 1948 but the car was saved from destruction by my late father in May of 1962 for the large sum of $50.00. It is now safely in my custody.

When I said to re read the thread on the Sears Allstate, I was referring to post #612 in this thread. That post talked about the earlier Sears Motorbuggys.

 

Ro-ra-raggy! LOL!!!

Thanks for cuing me in on your handle, SUN Roof Cord. That is a GREAT story about the Cord. Seems incomprehensible a Cord could be had in '62 for $50. Wow.