1903 Winton Two-Cylinder Detachable Tonneau

Alexander Winton made the first automobile purchased in the United States on April 1, 1898. Like the 1904 Cadillac, this Winton can be quickly and easily converted from a rear-entrance touring to a snappy two-place roadster. This was one of the earliest cars to be equipped with wheel steering and single-tube pneumatic tires.

In 1903, the Autocar declared that 'the Winton is generally regarded as America's premier make of petrol car.' That same year, a Winton became the first automobile driven across the United States from coast to coast. Dr. H. Nelson Jackson and his chauffeur/mechanic Sewall K. Crocker left San Francisco on May 23rd and arrived in New York City on July 26th. Their 63-day journey traversed through many communities that had never before seen an automobile, across desolate terrain, and through track-less hinterland where streams had to be forded.

The transcontinental journey was accomplished by a two-speed, chain-driven, 20hp Winton. It had a 260 cubic-inch displacement (approximately 4.3-liters) with a bore and stroke of 5.25- and 6-inches respectively. It had a rated output of 22hp using the Association of Licensed Automobile Manufacturers (ALAM) formula. It used a unique inlet valve actuation system that controlled its lift using compressed air, regulating the amount of air and fuel mixture from the carburetor to the cylinders. The carburetors had no throttle control and the engine speed was adjusted by the driver's control of ignition timing.

Cooling water was circulated around the engine and through a radiator via a centrifugal pump. A dual-compartment storage tank held additional water in one compartment and fuel in the other.

The engine was centrally located, driving an unusual two-speed transmission with a separate clutch for each speed, with the rear axle motivated by chain drive. The gears were in constant mesh but driven only when one of the clutches was engaged ('clash-less' gear selection). The lever system that selected the gearbox clutches also engaged the brake band on the final drive sprocket. Additionally, there were contracting-band brakes on the rear wheels, applied by a foot pedal.

The right-hand steering column was attached via a hinge that allowed the wheel to wing out of the way, facilitating access to the two seats. The rear axle was suspended by full elliptical springs and located by trailing arms. The front axle used semi-elliptical springs.

The 1903 Winton Two-Cylinder detachable Tonneau with seating for five had a base price of approximately $2,500. Winton produced around 850 motor vehicles in 1903. Production would increase to around 900 units the following year and a thousand by 1905 and 1906.

The company continued in business until February 11th of 1924 when it was forced into liquidation. The Winton organization remained in business after its departure from the automotive car-building sector, manufacturing diesel engines.

Source - Luray Cavern Museum