U.S. automotive production increased from nearly 13,000 vehicles in 1903 to around 22,000 cars and several hundred trucks in 1904. Approximately 40 new makes of vehicles were introduced and produced, including electric-, steam- and gasoline-powered automobiles.

During 1904, the first two-cylinder Buick, introduced in 1903, was created. Studebaker also introduced its first gasoline-powered vehicles. Ransom E. Olds organized Reo Motor Car Co. and began production of the Reo make of car the following year. Oldsmobile, a sister car make to Reo, had been introduced in 1897 and manufactured by Ransom Olds.

During 1904, the first Maxwell and Marmon was introduced among the 40 new vehicle makes. Henry Ford introduced the four-cylinder Model B and drove his racer car to a record speed of more than 90 miles per hour.

The eight major producers of the 22,000 vehicles sold in 1904 were, in sequence, Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Rambler, Ford, White, Stanley, Franklin and Packard. Nearly all vehicles sold were open-type cars without tops, although a few makes included a canvas type fold-down covering and were called touring cars.

Cadillac introduced the steering wheel, which gained favor in the auto industry, eventually replacing the steering lever.

1905 Automotive Developments

During 1905, the total production of U.S. automobiles was approximately 25,000 vehicles, 3,000 more than the previous year. Approximately another 40 new makes of vehicles were introduced in 1905. New makes included electric (battery), steam and gasoline vehicles.

Several new 1905 makes included folding tops with open sides. The manufacturing trend became larger vehicles with four cylinder gasoline-powered, water-cooled engines.

During 1905, Mercedes introduced its German built car in the U.S. for sale. Other 1905 innovations included Goodyear universal rims, power tire pump and ignition lock. The 1905 Sturtevant car was the first automobile make in the U.S. to feature an automatic transmission.

Automobile sales on the installment-paid time plan was introduced. The Society of Automobile Engineers was organized in 1905 and President Theodore Roosevelt rode in a White steam car during his inaugural parade in the same year.

The eight major makes of automobiles produced and sold for 1905 were: Oldsmobile, Cadillac, Rambler, Ford, Franklin, White, Reo and Maxwell. The price of U.S. vehicles ranged from approximately $500 to $5,000, depending upon their make, size and features.

Many of the early 2,500 makes of U.S. vehicles survived and are found today in various antique vehicle museums and private collections scattered throughout the country.

Some of the 40 new 1904 automobile makes:

Acme, Black Diamond, Buick, Cantono Electric, Detroit, Gibbs Electric, Marmon, Ormond Steam, Royal Electric, Royal Tourist, Smith, Standard, Studebaker, Wayne and Wolverine.

Some of the 40 new 1905 automobile makes:

A.B.C. High-Wheeler, Ariel, Berkshire, Cartercar, Culver, Eagle Air Cooled, Fritchie Electric, Lozier, Moon, Morse Steam, Parsons Electric, Pullman, Reo, Walker and Watrous.

Jay O'Dell is a senior master judge and exhibitor of antique show cars. Suggestions for column content or other inquiries can be sent to him at: P. O. Box 469, Lavalette, WV 25535.

National Video