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Geronimo Motor Company

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Geronimo Automobile Company
Production output
1917-20

Geronimo was a pioneer vintage era American automobile, built at 409 South Grand in Enid, Oklahoma, between 1917 and 1920.[1] It was what would today be called an "assembled car", relying on proprietary parts from outside suppliers.[1] In addition, the company made tractors.[2]

History

The Geronimo Motor Company was founded in 1917 by William C. Allen and incorporated with a $500,000 stock sale.[1]

The company offered two models: the 4A-40, with a 166 cu in (2.7 L)[citation needed] four-cylinder Lycoming of 37 hp (28 kW; 38 PS), and the 6A-45, powered by a 230 cu in (3.8 L) Rutenberg six[disambiguation needed] producing a claimed 45 hp (34 kW; 46 PS), with an optional 55 hp (41 kW; 56 PS) six and a 122-inch wheelbase.[3] One model was a roadster, the other a five-passenger tourer.[2] Geronimo also produced cars under the marque Wing for export to France.[1]

The cars were distributed by agencies across the Midwest, in Kansas, Nebraska, West Texas, and Oklahoma.[2] The 4A-40 was priced at $895, the 6A-45 at $1295. By contrast, the Cole 30 & Colt Runabout were $1500,[4] the Model S $700, and the high-volume Oldsmobile Runabout was $650.[5]

Despite its price, the Geronimo proved popular enough that the company built a new 30,000 sq ft (2,800 m2)[2] factory on the outskirts of Enid, completed in the fall of 1917.[1] As a result, both production and capitalization expanded, and in January 1919, the company sold another $500,000 in stock.[1] By 1919, unit price had climbed as high as $1995,[1] into the range of the $1750 FAL[6] or $2000 Enger 40.[6] On 14 August 1920, the plant suffered a severe fire which did $250,000 in damage. Insurance only covered $65,000, and the company was forced to close.[1]

At its peak, between 40 workers and a peak of 125 were employed, producing and selling a total of 600 cars,[1] though production levels may have reached 1000.[2] Only one survives, a restored example found in a field near LaCross, Kansas, in 1972. It is now owned by the Enid Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America, and is still regularly used in parades and community historical events.[1]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Barron, Robert. "In 1917, Enid hoped to be the second Detroit." Enid News & Eagle, July 27, 2009.
  2. ^ a b c d e Everett, Dianna, "Automotive Manufacturing", Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture, Oklahoma Historical Society
  3. ^ Kimes, Beverly (1996). standard catalog of American Cars 1805-1942. Krause publications. ISBN 0-87341-428-4.
  4. ^ Clymer, Floyd. Treasury of Early American Automobiles, 1877-1925 (New York: Bonanza Books, 1950), pp.63 & 104.
  5. ^ Clymer, p.32.
  6. ^ a b Clymer, p.104.
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