Ajax Motor Vehicle Company
Ajax Motor Vehicle Company was a now-defunct American brass era electric car manufacturer established in New York City, which operated from 1901 until 1903. It produced the Ajax Electric car.[1] Its factory was located at 220 West 36th Street, just north of the famed Macy's Department Store in Manhattan.[1][2]
History
Ajax Motor Vehicle Company was formed by New York City brothers Walter Simpson and Alfred L. Simpson, with an initial capitalization of US$10,000.[2][3] They set up manufacturing in July 1901, in a factory located on Manhattan's West 36th Street, not far from Macy's.[1]
The company produced an open two-seat lightweight runabout that rode on narrow 28 inch wire wheels with pneumatic tires and optional mudguards.[4][5] It was originally priced at US$1,100, but later reduced to $850.[1][2] The frame of the car was similar to bicycle construction, with seamless-drawn steel tubing, joined by brazing into drop-forged lugs.[2] The 24V electric motor was rated at 1+1⁄2 bhp and had a chain drive to the rear axle and differential. Mechanical brakes were provided on both rear axle and motor. Steering was by a crosswise tiller to the left seat.[2]
Ajax had a display at the 1903 New York Auto Show, but closed later that year.[2] This may have been precipitated by the 1902 collapse in the US electric car market, following dubious selling of electric car stocks, and a high-profile accident to a racing Baker. No cars were sold outside New York City.[1]
The company's forearm and clenched fist logo predated the similar one used by Arm & Hammer.[1] They later used the slogan, "An Honest Automobile At An Honest Price".[2]
Today, a car in original condition could be worth in excess of $14,000.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g Kimes, Beverly; Clark, Jr., Henry. Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1942. p. 21. ISBN 978-0873414289.
{{cite book}}: Invalid|ref=harv(help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c d e f g "The Ajax Electric Automobile & The Ajax Motor Vehicle Co". American Automobiles.
- ^ Ingersoll, E.P. (Dec 31, 1903). The Horseless Age. Vol. Volume 12. Horseless Age Company / Forgotten Books (reprint). p. 400. ISBN 978-0666267009.
{{cite book}}:|volume=has extra text (help) - ^ Phillips, Lou (April 11, 2011). Cars: 1895–1965. Xlibris. p. 51. ISBN 978-1456892937.
- ^ Kimes and Clark, p.20 photo.
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- Brass Era vehicles
- Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of the United States
- Defunct companies based in New York City
- Manufacturing companies based in New York City
- Veteran vehicles
- Cars introduced in 1901
- Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1901
- 1901 establishments
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