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1906 Autocar Type XII
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Description
In 1901, Louis S. Clarke designed and built was is believed to be the first shaft-driven car in the United States. Until this point, cars were more like bicycles and used chains to move power from the engine to the wheels. To prove the durability of this design, a car was driven from the factory in Ardmore, PA to an auto show at Madison Square Garden in New York. The…
In 1901, Louis S. Clarke designed and built was is believed to be the first shaft-driven car in the United States. Until this point, cars were more like bicycles and used chains to move power from the engine to the wheels. To prove the durability of this design, a car was driven from the factory in Ardmore, PA to an auto show at Madison Square Garden in New York. The car covered the 100 mile route in a little over six hours, which was impressive at the time. Over the next few years, Autocar engineers continued to improve their offerings. In advertising, they touted its ease of control as well as that the Autocar “cannot blow up or burn up” – a serious issue at the time.
In 1907, Autocar began making commercial trucks. By 1911, they stopped making cars to focus on the truck business. While the brand has been sold multiple times over the past century, Autocar is still in the truck business today.
Body Style:
Touring
Year:
1906
Make / Manufacturer:
Autocar Company
Model:
Type XII
Location Created:
Ardmore, PA
Donated By:
Thomas J. Watson Jr.
Exterior Color:
Red
Cylinders:
4
Engine Size:
24hp
Engine Type:
Gasoline