Discover Forgotten Car Brands in the USA

The automotive industry's rich history in the United States is replete with countless brands that, while once prominent, are now barely remembered. These vehicles played a significant role in shaping the automotive landscape that we know today. Here, we explore some of the most forgotten car brands in the USA, including their unique features and the era in which they thrived.

Star Car (1922-1928)

The Star Car, a car built between 1922 and 1928, was a competitive brand for a few short years before the Great Depression. The brand was actually a subsidiary of Durant Motors. Despite its short existence, the Star Car managed to make a mark during its brief time in the market. These cars were designed to compete in a market dominated by more established brands, and their legacy lives on in automotive history.

Baker (1899-1914)

The Baker Automobiles were among the earliest commercial cars built in the USA, spanning from 1899 to 1914. Perhaps their most notable achievement was the production of a fully enclosed electric car. This made them extremely quiet and efficient for their time. The Baker cars were also known for their luxury and sophistication, making them a popular choice among affluent buyers.

Hupmobile (1909-1939)

The Hupmobile, which operated from 1909 to 1939, competed with luxury brands like Cadillac and Packard. Known for their elegance and beauty, these vehicles were graceful and well-crafted. In a time when many car brands struggled to gain recognition, the Hupmobile stood out for its refined design and quality. Unfortunately, by the end of the Great Depression, this once prestigious brand had all but disappeared from the automotive industry.

Stanley (1902-1924)

The Stanley brand emerged in 1902 and was dedicated to producing steam-powered cars until 1924. Known for their exceptional performance, many of the Stanley Steamer race cars were successful in their era. However, as steam power became less popular in the automotive industry, Stanley quickly faded from the scene.

Maxwell (1904-1925)

The Maxwell company, active from 1904 to 1925, was a significant player in the automotive industry. Formed through a merger between Briscoe and Jonathan Maxwell, an engineer for Oldsmobile, the Maxwell brand became the third-largest auto manufacturer in the US, trailing only Ford and General Motors. After Walter P. Chrysler acquired it in 1925, the brand was eventually absorbed into Chrysler. Its legacy is now primarily remembered through early automotive history.

Chandler (1913-1929)

The Chandler was a luxury car brand from 1913 to 1929, known for its exquisite craftsmanship and handcrafted metal panels bonded to wood coachwork frames. At its peak, they produced up to 20,000 cars per year, making them a major force in the automotive industry. However, their fortunes changed drastically just before the Great Depression, leading to bankruptcy. In 1929, the company was acquired by Hupp, which incorporated Chandler's resources into their lineup.

Cunningham (1896-1931)

The Cunningham brand, active from 1896 to 1931, was known for making big, fast, and luxurious cars. These vehicles were particularly celebrated for their 442 cubic inch V8 engines, which made them powerful touring and racing cars. Their exquisite craftsmanship and innovative design marked them as one of the rising stars of their era.

Locomobile (1899-1922)

The Locomobile, often misinterpreted as “Crazy Car,” was a brand that spanned from 1899 to 1922. The name was a clever portmanteau of the words “locomotive” and “automobile.” Initially, they built small steam carriages, but they switched to internal combustion engines in 1903. Known for their flathead 6-cylinder engines producing 90 horsepower, Locomobile quickly became a popular marque. Despite their initial success, the brand could not withstand the changing trends in the automotive industry.

Overland (1903-1926)

The Overland brand, active from 1903 to 1926, was the founding company of Willys-Overland. In its early years, Overland was a simple manufacturer of cars with a single-cylinder engine, but they were innovative for their time, contributing to war efforts through their vehicles. As the industry evolved, Overland continued to grow but ultimately lost its footing just before the Great Depression.

Peerless (1900-1931)

One of the “3 P’s” (along with Peerless, Packard, and Pierce-Arrow), Peerless was a high-end luxury brand that peaked in the early 1900s. Known for their brilliant innovations, such as 4-wheel drum brakes and a fully enclosed steel body, Peerless set new standards for luxury and quality. These features made them highly sought after, but their ultimate downfall came after the end of Prohibition in 1931, when they shifted to producing beer instead of cars!

Conclusion

These forgotten car brands of the USA offer a fascinating glimpse into the country's rich automotive heritage. From the elegance of the Hupmobile and the craftsmanship of the Chandler to the daring innovations of the Cunningham and Locomobile, these brands once played pivotal roles in shaping the automotive industry. Despite their eventual decline, their legacy lives on in automotive history and contributes to our understanding of the evolution of American automotive culture.