1903 Waltham Orient

The Orient Buckboard was the product of the Waltham Manufacturing Co. of Massachusetts and was marketed as 'The Cheapest Automobile in the World – Everybody Should Have One.' The company's existence began as a bicycle manufacturer, eventually moving to the electric vehicle industry, and by 1902, it was building its own internal combustion engines. The Buckboard model was introduced in 1903 and was certainly one of the most economical means of transportation of the era.

The 578cc Waltham Air-Cooled 2-Stroke single-cylinder engine produced four horsepower and had single-speed drive, rear cable-operated mechanical brakes, tiller steering, and solid axles with quarter elliptical leaf springs. The flexible hickory wooden platform provided the suspension. A seat for two occupants resided in the middle of the Buckboard, and an umbrella could be added to give some relief from the hot sun or rain. Dust and debris were kept in check via the floating fenders. The small but effective engine resides at the rear of the vehicle with its weight supported by the rear axle. Weighing approximately 400 pounds, the Orient Buckboard was claimed to have a top speed of 35 mph and could climb a 1:12 hill in top gear.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2023