1898 Autocar Runabout
Add to SetSummary
The Autocar Company was formed in Pittsburgh in 1897 but soon moved east to Ardmore, Pennsylvania. The firm manufactured automobiles until 1911, when it changed over to commercial trucks. Autocar co-founder Louis S. Clarke is credited with designing the first American spark plugs. This early prototype runabout, only the second Autocar built, used Clarke's innovative plugs.
The Autocar Company was formed in Pittsburgh in 1897 but soon moved east to Ardmore, Pennsylvania. The firm manufactured automobiles until 1911, when it changed over to commercial trucks. Autocar co-founder Louis S. Clarke is credited with designing the first American spark plugs. This early prototype runabout, only the second Autocar built, used Clarke's innovative plugs.
Artifact
Automobile
Date Made
1898
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
54.31.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Louis S. Clarke.
Material
Steel (Alloy)
Wood (Plant material)
Leather
Brass (Alloy)
Rubber (Material)
Color
Black (Color)
Yellow (Color)
Red
Dimensions
Height: 62 in
Width: 61 in
Length: 87.5 in
Wheelbase: 55 in
Inscriptions
Plate in front: AUTOCAR NO 2 / BUILT 1898 / BY / LOUIS S. CLARKE / ARDMORE PA Brass letters each side: AUTOCAR
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