Louis Renault developed his first automobile by extensively modifying an 1898 Dion Tricycle. At one of his first private demonstrations he secured 12 orders and the Societé Renault Freres was formed. In the years that followed Renault automobiles won numerous races throughout Europe and Louis Renault built his own empire producing aircraft, aircraft engines and […]
Rolls Royce Boat-Tailed Speedster
From 1904 through the present day the Rolls Royce name has become internationally known as the very finest in automotive engineering and luxury. Founded by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, Rolls had the sales skills and Royce possessed the production and design knowledge to create a great team. They set new standards for excellence and […]
Royal Enfield Motorcycle
The Royal Enfield Company stayed in business for over seventy years manufacturing motorcycles from 1898 through 1971. Using some of the best riders around, Royal Enfield competed successfully at numerous motorcycle races and held the land speed record for sidecar outfitted motorcycles driven over one mile.
Saxon Roadster
During its peak the Saxon name was a household word. A brand new Saxon roadster sold for $395, and its operating cost was advertised as ½ cent per mile. Electric lights and a starter were available as options costing an additional $70. It featured a “high speed motor” that was light, powerful, efficient and durable. […]
Scripps Booth Touring Car
In 1914 Scripps Booth introduced the unique and advanced feature of electrically operated push-button doors, long before they were to become what we would consider almost a standard feature today. They were advertised as luxurious light cars, and they offered luxury, beauty, performance and economy as selling points of their product.
Sears Auto Buggy
Sears, Roebuck and Company had nine different car models available from 1905 to 1910 built by the Lincoln Motor Car Works in Chicago. In an unusual and trusting attempt to lure customers, potential buyers were allowed a ten-day trial period to determine whether or not they wanted to keep the Sears product. Prices ranged from […]
Studebaker Touring Car
The Studebaker brothers opened a blacksmith and wagon shop in 1852. They produced 100 wagons for the U.S. Government just five years later. By 1902 the company produced its first horseless-carraige which was electric powered. In 1904 they offered a 14 HP gasoline powered vehicle which sold for $1,600. Advertised as the most powerful six-cylinder, […]
Ural Motorcycle with Sidecar
The URAL was originally developed by the Soviet government for use by the Russian military during World War II. However by the late 1950s, military production shifted to the Ukraine and URALs began being manufactured for domestic customers, which continues today.
Willys Overland Opera Coupe
Starting as a salesman for the Detroit Auto Vehicle Company, John N. Willys met with great success. The Overland Company of Indianapolis was on the brink of bankruptcy when Willys was called in to rescue it. Shortly thereafter the company became known as the Willys Overland Company of Toledo, Ohio. Later in his career Willys […]
Willys Overland Sportster
The Overland Company had four separate factories which turned out a brand new car every 4 minutes. An advertisement claimed that the Overland was “Almost trouble-proof” and one successfully accomplished test of endurance was the running of an Overland for over 7,000 miles without stopping the engine.