1906 Rapid Bus
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The Rapid Motor Vehicle Company of Pontiac, Michigan, produced this twelve-passenger vehicle in 1906. The bus could shuttle travelers to and from hotels and rail depots or provide local sightseeing tours. In 1908, General Motors Company began purchasing Rapid's stock. The purchases of Rapid and other commercial truck companies led to the formation of General Motors Truck Company in 1912.
The Rapid Motor Vehicle Company of Pontiac, Michigan, produced this twelve-passenger vehicle in 1906. The bus could shuttle travelers to and from hotels and rail depots or provide local sightseeing tours. In 1908, General Motors Company began purchasing Rapid's stock. The purchases of Rapid and other commercial truck companies led to the formation of General Motors Truck Company in 1912.
Artifact
Bus
Date Made
1906
Creators
Place of Creation
United States, Michigan, Pontiac
Creator Notes
Designed by Max Grabowsky and manufactured by Rapid Motor Vehicle Company in Pontiac, Michigan.
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America
Object ID
68.112.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Wood (Plant material)
Metal
Steel (Alloy)
Leather
Brass (Alloy)
Color
Dark green
Red
Cream (Color)
Black (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 100 in
Width: 65 in
Length: 144 in
Wheelbase: 93 in
Diameter: 32 in (Wheel Diameter)
Inscriptions
In brass script on radiator: THE RAPID Cast brass plate on dash: Rapid / Motor Vehicle Co. / Pontiac, Mich. U.S.A. / No. C108X Capacity 12 pass. / Do not overload On left front floorboard: RAPID On side of headlamps: BADGER BRASS MFG. CO / PAT. PEND / SOLAR / MODEL 41A / KENOSHA, WIS. U.S.A.
Specifications
Make & Model: 1906 Rapid bus
Maker: Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, Pontiac, Michigan
Engine: horizontally opposed 2, L-head valves, 196 cubic inches
Transmission: planetary 2-speed manual
Height: 100 inches
Wheelbase: 90 inches
Width: 65 inches
Overall length: 144 inches
Horsepower: 24
Weight: 3050 pounds
Pounds per horsepower: 127.1
Price: $2,000
Average 1906 wage: $523 per year
Time you'd work to buy this vehicle: about 3 years, 10 months
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