Detroit Auto Vehicle Company
Encyclopedia
Detroit Auto Vehicle Company was an early automobile manufacturer established in the summer of 1904 with a capital stock of US$150,000. Based in Detroit, it also had a foundry in Romeo, Michigan. It ceased operation in October 1907 following bankruptcy.
Two of the most influential personalities in the early American automobile business were involved with the company. One was John North Willys, who soon after bought the Overland Automotive Division from the Standard Wheel Company which became the Willys-Overland Motor Company
. The other gentleman was Josepf L. Hudson
, a Detroit business man who earned a fortune with his department store. He backed Roy D. Chapin
with the money needed to form an automobile company. Chapin named it in his honor the Hudson Motor Car Company
.
priced at US$750, the 16 HP Crown delivery car featuring a payload of 1500 lbs and a 24HP five-passenger Touring Car
.
It seems that management was not satisfied with the performance of their products. So, early in 1906 they called in Edward T. Ross from Cadillac
who developed a new car. His prototype drove in August, 1906, and the automobile was ready for sale for the 1907 model year. It was a two-cylinder automobile with a wheelbase of 96 in (2,438.4 mm), featuring a 22/24 hp engine. It was dubbed the Model Two, but was also referred to as the "Crown-Detroit" or just "Detroit". Available were a runabout for US$1,500 and a touring for US$ 1,600. THe comapny claimed its two-cylinder engine was as smooth as any four- or six-cylinder engine.
The whole production run for 1907 was sold in advance to John North Willys in Elmira, New York
who became the exclusive selling agent, and referred to the 24HP car as the Detroit.
Company history
The company was fighting during the short time of her existence against litigation by stockholders of the predecessor company Detroit Novelty Machine Company, who were decidedly against the production of an automobile. Finally, the company went into bankruptcy in 1907. In 1908 bond holders in the bankrupt company were paid 24 percent on each $100.00 and the affairs of the company were closed.Two of the most influential personalities in the early American automobile business were involved with the company. One was John North Willys, who soon after bought the Overland Automotive Division from the Standard Wheel Company which became the Willys-Overland Motor Company
Willys
Willys was the brand name used by Willys-Overland Motors, an American automobile company best known for its design and production of military Jeeps and civilian versions during the 20th century.-Early History:In 1908, John Willys bought the Overland Automotive Division of Standard Wheel Company...
. The other gentleman was Josepf L. Hudson
Joseph Lowthian Hudson
Joseph Lowthian Hudson , aka J. L. Hudson, was the merchant who founded the Hudson's department store in Detroit, Michigan....
, a Detroit business man who earned a fortune with his department store. He backed Roy D. Chapin
Roy D. Chapin
Roy Dikeman Chapin was an American industrialist and automaker. He also served as the United States Secretary of Commerce from August 8, 1932, to March 3, 1933, in the last months of the administration of President Herbert Hoover.Chapin was born in 1880 in Lansing, Michigan, and attended the...
with the money needed to form an automobile company. Chapin named it in his honor the Hudson Motor Car Company
Hudson Motor Car Company
The Hudson Motor Car Company made Hudson and other brand automobiles in Detroit, Michigan, from 1909 to 1954. In 1954, Hudson merged with Nash-Kelvinator Corporation to form American Motors. The Hudson name was continued through the 1957 model year, after which it was dropped.- Company strategy...
.
Vehicles
In 1905 the company had three vehicles on sale all with a two-cylinder engine. The 12 HP Crown RunaboutRunabout (car)
Runabouts were a popular car body style at the beginning of the 20th Century. They were small, inexpensive, open cars. Most runabouts had just a single row of seats, providing seating for two passengers. Many also had a tonneau at the rear to provide optional seating for four or five...
priced at US$750, the 16 HP Crown delivery car featuring a payload of 1500 lbs and a 24HP five-passenger Touring Car
Touring car
A touring car, or tourer, is an open car seating five or more. Touring cars may have two or four doors. Often, the belt line is lowered in the front doors to give the car a more sportive character. They were often fitted with a folding roof and side curtains. Engines on early models were either in...
.
It seems that management was not satisfied with the performance of their products. So, early in 1906 they called in Edward T. Ross from Cadillac
Cadillac
Cadillac is an American luxury vehicle marque owned by General Motors . Cadillac vehicles are sold in over 50 countries and territories, but mostly in North America. Cadillac is currently the second oldest American automobile manufacturer behind fellow GM marque Buick and is among the oldest...
who developed a new car. His prototype drove in August, 1906, and the automobile was ready for sale for the 1907 model year. It was a two-cylinder automobile with a wheelbase of 96 in (2,438.4 mm), featuring a 22/24 hp engine. It was dubbed the Model Two, but was also referred to as the "Crown-Detroit" or just "Detroit". Available were a runabout for US$1,500 and a touring for US$ 1,600. THe comapny claimed its two-cylinder engine was as smooth as any four- or six-cylinder engine.
The whole production run for 1907 was sold in advance to John North Willys in Elmira, New York
Elmira, New York
Elmira is a city in Chemung County, New York, USA. It is the principal city of the 'Elmira, New York Metropolitan Statistical Area' which encompasses Chemung County, New York. The population was 29,200 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Chemung County.The City of Elmira is located in...
who became the exclusive selling agent, and referred to the 24HP car as the Detroit.