American Underslung: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Innovative automobile of 1905-1914 made in Indianapolis}} |
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[[File:1911 American Underslung.jpg|right|thumb|1911 American Underslung in the [[Petersen Automotive Museum]]]] |
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[[File:1913-american-underslung.jpg|right|thumb|1913 American Underslung]] |
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The '''American Underslung''' was an |
The '''American Underslung''' was an American automobile, the brainchild of [[Harry C. Stutz|Harry Stutz]] and designer [[Fred Tone]], manufactured in [[Indianapolis]] from 1905 to 1914 by [[American Motor Car Company]].<ref name=memories>{{cite web |url= http://www.autos.ca/classic-cars/motoring-memories-american-underslung-1907-1913/ |last=Vance |first=Bill |title=Motoring Memories: American Underslung, 1907–1913 |publisher=Autos.ca |date=17 August 2007 |accessdate=17 August 2012 }}</ref> |
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== Design == |
== Design == |
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The American Underslung's [[chassis]] design and huge {{convert|40|in|0|adj=on}} wheels gave it a distinctive appearance and it was noticeably lower than other cars from the same era. The chassis was hung below the axles rather than set atop them, with the engine and transmission mass moved closer to the ground lowering the center of gravity and giving [[sports car]] appearance and handling. The design mounted the engine and body within the frame rails rather than |
The American Underslung's [[chassis]] design and huge {{convert|40|in|mm|0|adj=on}} wheels gave it a distinctive appearance and it was noticeably lower than other cars from the same era. The chassis was hung below the axles rather than set atop them, with the engine and transmission mass moved closer to the ground lowering the center of gravity and giving [[sports car]] appearance and handling. The design mounted the engine and body within the frame rails rather than on the top as with other cars of the era.<ref name=autoweek>{{cite journal|url= http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070209/FREE/70208007/1027/FREE |last=Dorrington |first=Leigh |title=1914 American Underslung Model 644 Tourer: A car for the discriminating few |journal=AutoWeek |date=8 February 2007 |accessdate=17 August 2012 }}</ref> Developed in collaboration with Harry Stutz, the 1905 Underslung "was one of the most significant, if unsung, automobiles of this century's first decade."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drivingtoday.com/autobytel/greatest_cars/stutz_bearcat/index.html#axzz23oLwaxr2 |last=Nerad |first=Jack |title=World's Greatest Cars - Stutz Bearcat |publisher=Driving Today |accessdate=17 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235012/http://www.drivingtoday.com/autobytel/greatest_cars/stutz_bearcat/index.html#axzz23oLwaxr2 |archive-date=2016-03-03 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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The automobiles were marketed at the upper price range the market. Prices for the American Underslung ranged from [[United States dollar|US]]$1,250 to $4,000. The cars came with [[Teetor-Harley]] {{convert|6.4|L|CID|0|abbr=on}} [[straight-4]] engines producing {{ |
The automobiles were marketed at the upper price range of the market. Prices for the American Underslung ranged from [[United States dollar|US]]$1,250 to $4,000. The cars came with [[Teetor-Harley]] {{convert|6.4|L|CID|0|abbr=on}} [[straight-4]] engines producing {{convert|40|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, as measured by an old system,{{What|What “Old system“?|date=May 2021}} and starting in 1908 a {{convert|7.8|L|CID|0|abbr=on}} with {{convert|50|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} became available.<ref name=memories/> Additionally, a {{convert|9.34|L|CID|0|abbr=on}} six-cylinder engine was capable of {{convert|60|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, one of the strongest cars of its time.<ref name=simeone/> |
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==Versions== |
==Versions== |
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[[File:Stahls Automotive Collection December 2021 032 (1913 American Underslung Scout Type 22A).jpg|thumb|1913 American Underslung Scout Type 22A at [[Stahls Automotive Collection]]]] |
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[[File:American_Underslung_Model_22B_Scout_Roadster.jpg|thumb|1913 American Underslung Model 22B Scout Roadster]] |
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The American Underslung came in several versions: |
The American Underslung came in several versions: |
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* A two door sports version, called the "Scout Roadster". |
* A two door sports version, called the "Scout Roadster". |
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* Around 1909, American introduced a four-passenger Underslung dubbed "The Traveler." An example of this car, chassis #1687, is on display at the [[Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum]] in Philadelphia, PA, USA.<ref name=simeone>{{cite web|last1=Simeone|first1=Frederick|title=1909 American Underslung Traveler|url=http://www.simeonemuseum.org/the-collection/endurance-trial/1909-american-underslung-traveler|publisher=Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum|accessdate=10 March 2015}}</ref> |
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* Around 1909, American introduced a four-passenger Underslung dubbed "The Traveler". |
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* The car was also available from 1905 to 1908 with a conventional chassis design; this model was called the "American Tourist". It came in another version, a two door sports version, called the Scout Roadster. |
* The car was also available from 1905 to 1908 with a conventional chassis design; this model was called the "American Tourist". It came in another version, a two door sports version, called the Scout Roadster. |
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Updates: |
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In 1910, the horsepower rating for the engine was increased to {{ |
* In 1910, the horsepower rating for the engine was increased to {{convert|60|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} by enlarging the cylinder bore and adding pressurized lubrication. |
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== Closure == |
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| ⚫ | The American Underslung marketing slogan was "The Car For The Discriminating Few"<ref>{{cite journal |url= http://www.hemmings.com/hmn/stories/2004/06/01/hmn_whatworth1.html |title=What's it Worth: 1908 American Underslung |journal=Hemmings Motor News |date=June 2004 |accessdate=17 August 2012 }}</ref> and apparently there were few buyers. Although new models were introduced for 1914 and the company continued to boast the American Underslung was "America’s Most Luxurious Car", the end came when the firm was put into [[receivership]] in November 1913.<ref name=autoweek/> |
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==Fall of the Manufacturer== |
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| ⚫ | The American Underslung marketing slogan was "The Car For The Discriminating Few"<ref> |
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* See: [[American Motor Car Company]] |
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== References == |
== References == |
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== External links == |
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{{IndianapolisCars}} |
{{IndianapolisCars}} |
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[[Category:Brass Era vehicles]] |
[[Category:Brass Era vehicles]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of the United States]] |
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[[Category:Motor vehicle manufacturers based in Indiana]] |
[[Category:Motor vehicle manufacturers based in Indiana]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Defunct companies based in Indiana]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Defunct companies based in Indianapolis]] |
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Latest revision as of 20:42, 14 June 2022
The American Underslung was an American automobile, the brainchild of Harry Stutz and designer Fred Tone, manufactured in Indianapolis from 1905 to 1914 by American Motor Car Company.[1]
Design
[edit]The American Underslung's chassis design and huge 40-inch (1,016 mm) wheels gave it a distinctive appearance and it was noticeably lower than other cars from the same era. The chassis was hung below the axles rather than set atop them, with the engine and transmission mass moved closer to the ground lowering the center of gravity and giving sports car appearance and handling. The design mounted the engine and body within the frame rails rather than on the top as with other cars of the era.[2] Developed in collaboration with Harry Stutz, the 1905 Underslung "was one of the most significant, if unsung, automobiles of this century's first decade."[3]
The automobiles were marketed at the upper price range of the market. Prices for the American Underslung ranged from US$1,250 to $4,000. The cars came with Teetor-Harley 6.4 L (391 cu in) straight-4 engines producing 40 hp (30 kW), as measured by an old system,[clarification needed] and starting in 1908 a 7.8 L (476 cu in) with 50 hp (37 kW) became available.[1] Additionally, a 9.34 L (570 cu in) six-cylinder engine was capable of 60 hp (45 kW), one of the strongest cars of its time.[4]
Versions
[edit]
The American Underslung came in several versions:
- A two door sports version, called the "Scout Roadster".
- Around 1909, American introduced a four-passenger Underslung dubbed "The Traveler." An example of this car, chassis #1687, is on display at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia, PA, USA.[4]
- The car was also available from 1905 to 1908 with a conventional chassis design; this model was called the "American Tourist". It came in another version, a two door sports version, called the Scout Roadster.
Updates:
- In 1910, the horsepower rating for the engine was increased to 60 hp (45 kW) by enlarging the cylinder bore and adding pressurized lubrication.
- In 1913, electric starters and lights became available on the Underslungs.
Closure
[edit]The American Underslung marketing slogan was "The Car For The Discriminating Few"[5] and apparently there were few buyers. Although new models were introduced for 1914 and the company continued to boast the American Underslung was "America’s Most Luxurious Car", the end came when the firm was put into receivership in November 1913.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Vance, Bill (17 August 2007). "Motoring Memories: American Underslung, 1907–1913". Autos.ca. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
- ^ a b Dorrington, Leigh (8 February 2007). "1914 American Underslung Model 644 Tourer: A car for the discriminating few". AutoWeek. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
- ^ Nerad, Jack. "World's Greatest Cars - Stutz Bearcat". Driving Today. Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
- ^ a b Simeone, Frederick. "1909 American Underslung Traveler". Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum. Retrieved 10 March 2015.
- ^ "What's it Worth: 1908 American Underslung". Hemmings Motor News. June 2004. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
External links
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Media related to American Underslung vehicles at Wikimedia Commons