The Mechanics of the Early 1900s Automobiles
In 1900, the American Automotive industry was in its infancy. As the economy prospered, the demand for electric, hybrid, steam and gasoline powered "horseless carriages" increased. Mechanical improvements in engine and chassis design led to rapid improvement in the performance, handling and efficiency of the first generation of American cars.
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1900s Cars
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At the turn of the century, steam and electric cars were more popular than those powered by gasoline internal-combustion engines. Steam cars such as the early 1900s Stanley Steamer were powered by boilers heated gas or kerosene. Battery-powered cars did not require gear shifting or hand cranking to start up. The first cars had open passenger compartments and tiller steering. As the decade progressed, mass-produced gas-engined cars began to dominate the market.
Oldsmobile
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The 1901 Curved Dash Olds was the first mass-produced line of gasoline cars in the United States. The car was started with a crank mounted on the side of the seat. Its 95.4 cubic-inch, single-cylinder engine generated 4.5 horsepower at 500 rpm. The spur-gear transmission had two forward speeds and reverse. The Olds used bevel-type differential gears and a tiller steering gear. Differential and rear wheel band-brakes provided stopping power. Its suspension consisted of sideways mounted leaf-springs.
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Cadillac
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The first Cadillacs were built in 1902. They were powered by a single-cylinder 10 horsepower Leland & Faulconer engine nicknamed the "Little Hercules." A jackshaft crank connected by a chain to the crankshaft started the engine. The detachable horizontal cylinder featured a copper water-jacket lining. An impeller pump circulated water from the front-mounted radiator. A two-speed planetary gearbox was operated by a lever and foot-pedal. The rear half-axles employed mechanical brakes. The car's rack and pinion steering was adjustable.
Ford
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In 1903, Ford Motor Company began producing the Model A. The runabout-bodied vehicle featured an opposed two-cylinder engine mounted in the center of the car. The cast-iron-block, 100.4-cubic-inch engine produced 8 horsepower. It had four valves, mechanical lifters and a Schebler carburetor. By 1904, Ford introduced an in-line four-cylinder engine rated at 24 horsepower. Ford's planetary transmission had two forward and one reverse gear. A differential band brake stopped the car.
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References
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