1902 Gasmobile Three-Cylinder

The Gasmobile Company was in business from 1899 through 1902, and during that time it was known as the Automobile Company of America, American, American Voiturette, and Gasmobile. President John H. Flagler settled on the name Gasmobile as it was the most intuitive. Other individuals involved in this venture included Robert L. Stevens, E. P. Kimball, and Albert T. Otto. Frederick R. Blount of the American Motor Company was also involved and supplied the engines for the Gasmobile. Additionally, the American Motor Company had acquired the American rights to the French Decauville automobile, with several designs and features being implemented on the Gasmobile.

Alexander Fischer designed the Gasmobile and was the inventor of the automatic starting device.

To say the Gasmobile Company was innovative and ambitious would be an understatement. They continually experimented with engine sizes, powertrain layouts, and new technologies. They produced a rear-mounted three-cylinder and a four-cylinder front-mounted model. In January of 1902, at the New York Auto Show, they showcased a six-cylinder automobile. It remained a one-off, yet had it been produced it would have been the first six sold commercially in the United States.

Just like the majority of automobile manufacturers during this era, the company soon found itself in receivership. In March of 1902, the Automobile Company of America plant and property was sold at public auction. The demise of the company could be attributed to a lack of funding. They had a fine product, production facilities in place, a solid reputation, and a workforce that seemed to get along. Innovation was a necessity but it may have been a reason for the downfall. Either way, the total liabilities at the time of the receivership were $210,000.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2020