During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the American automobile industry was in its infancy. Inventors experimented with many different designs. They tried means of propulsion that included internal combustion engines, steam engines, and electric engines. Many entrepreneurs launched new companies many of which failed to survive the Great Depression of the 1930s.
Locomobile:
Shown above is a 1899 Locomobile Style 2 Steam Car on display at the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River, Oregon. Founded in 1899, the Locomobile Company of America manufactured affordable small steam cars until 1903.
Baldwin:
Shown above is an 1899 Baldwin Steamer on display at LeMay—America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington. In 1896, L.F. Baldwin designed his first steam vehicle and two years later he started building his own steam car.
Stanley:
Shown above is a 1908 Stanley Model K Steam Car on display at the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River, Oregon. The Stanley Motor Carriage Company manufactured steam-engine cars from 1902 to 1924.
Shown above is a 1919 Stanley Steamer on display at LeMay—America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington. This car could reach an amazing speed of 75 miles per hour, but its range was limited to only 50 miles.
White:
Shown above is a 1910 White Model 00 Steam Car on display at the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River, Oregon. The White Motor Company, headquartered in Cleveland, manufactured automobiles and trucks from 1900 to 1980. Rollin H. White patented the design for his steam car and began manufacturing it in the corner of the White Sewing Machine Company owned by his father. White built steam cars until 1911.
Detroit Electric:
Shown above is a 1914 Detroit Electric Car on display at the Montana Auto Museum in Deer Lodge, Montana. The Detroit Electric was manufactured by the Anderson Electric Car Company from 1907 to 1939. The company built about 13,000 cars. The car was advertised as getting 80 miles between battery charging and had a top speed of about 20 miles per hour. According to the display:
“It was as an urban vehicle, one for women drivers especially, that the Detroit enjoyed most of its success.”
Shown above is 1914 Detroit Electric, Model 63 on display at the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River, Oregon.
Baker:
Shown above is a 1911 Baker Electric on display at LeMay—America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington. Twelve 6-volt batteries (six in the front compartment and six in the rear) provide the power. Electric cars at this time were considered women’s cars as they required no cranking. It is interesting to note that the driver and passengers faced each other.
Standard:
Shown above is a 1912 Standard Electric Motor 96 on display at LeMay—America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington. Notice that there is no steering wheel: like many other cars of this era, it was guided with a tiller.