1903 Knox Model C

The Knox Motorcar Company was founded by Harry Knox and his business partner, E.H. Cutler, building automobiles from 1900 to 1914 in Springfield, Massachusetts. Mr. Knox had experience with motorcars, gained from working at the Overman Wheel Company where several experimental autos were built, and was encouraged by his neighbor, J. Frank Duryea, to enter the automobile business.

The Knox Motorcar Company's earliest model was an air-cooled three-wheeled runabout built in 1899/1900, followed by a four-wheeled, two-cylinder model in 1902. The three-wheeled motorcars were powered by a single-cylinder engine that was air-cooled via steel pins, screwed into the sides of the cylinder walls, which expanded the cooling surface of the engine and allowed it to be cooled simply by the air flowing over it. The air-cooled automobiles were marketed as 'The Waterless Knox,' while the hundreds of spikes protruding from the cylinder heads earned the engine the nickname 'Old Porcupine.' The throttle was operated by a tapered camshaft that adjusts the intake valve, and a small Knox-designed spray jet carburetor fed the long intake manifold. Starting the Knox was handled by a total loss, coil ignition powered by a dry cell.

Knox was one of the earliest producers of air-cooled cars in America and built a reputation for their reliability and ease of operation.

Even after Harry Knox departed the company in 1904, the Knox automobiles continued to evolve, adding a four-cylinder water-cooled model in 1908. It had a five-inch cylinder bore, a 4.75-inch stroke, and delivered a taxable 40 horsepower. Depending on the coachwork, prices ranged from $2,900 to $6,000.

The 1903 Knox Model C
The 1903 Knox Model C rested on a 72-inch wheelbase and was offered as a runabout priced at $1,200. The design had the option of an additional two seats which could fold out in front of the driver, a body style frequently referred to as a 'Stanhope,' offering two (small) additional seats.

The single-cylinder, air-cooled mid-mounted engine displaced 157 cubic inches and delivered approximately eight horsepower. It was paired with a two-speed manual Planetary transmission, driving the rear wheels through chains. A tiller provided steering from the car's left-side driving position, and stopping power was provided via rear mechanical brakes. The suspension was leaf springs.

Knox produced approximately 250 automobiles in 1902, 500 the following year, and 553 in 1904. The company's highest annual production was in 1910, with 1,412 units constructed.

Knox automobile production ended in 1914 and in 1919, the company merged with Militor Corporation of Springfield, manufacturers of the Militor motorcycle, with the intention of re-entering passenger car production.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2023