1922 Haynes Model 55

Elwood Haynes (1857 - 1925), born in Portland, Indiana, was a metallurgist and inventor who moved to Kokomo in 1892. He is remembered for his discovery of stainless steel and the alloy Stellite. In 1891 he began designing a 'horseless carriage', and a few years later - in 1893, he contracted with Elmer Apperson to build the machine. After building a successful demonstration vehicle, the three men (Elmer, and his younger brother Edgar along with Elwood), created several more experimental vehicles. The Haynes-Apperson Company was formed in 1898 with the purpose of manufacturing and selling gasoline carriages. The Haynes-Apperson Company was formed in 1898. Along with Duryea, Winton, and Oldsmobile, they were one of America's earliest producers of internal combustion-powered cars. Hundreds of vehicles would be produced prior to the partner's split up in November of 1901. The Haynes-Apperson company had not been America's first gasoline automobile producer, yet it claimed as such in its promotional material. Elwood Haynes retained the Haynes-Apperson name on his cars until 1904. The Apperson Brothers Automobile Company was officially established in November 1901. The first Apperson car appeared the following year, in July 1902.

In 1913 a six-cylinder car joined the line, followed by a twelve in 1916. The company would continue to sell cars well into the early 1920s. However, by 1924 the company was in bankruptcy and by 1924 the Haynes Company was no more.

This vehicle is a 1922 Haynes Model 55 Touring Car that is powered by a six-cylinder engine that produces 50 horsepower. The car rests on a 121-inch platform and weighs 3210 pounds. The original price of this car was $1,795.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2010