1904 St. Louis Standard

An early automotive application of Timken roller bearings.

The Timken Company's ascent to become the premier supplier of roller bearings to the automobile industry began with an inauspicious sales call in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1900. Henry Timken, president of the Timken Roller Bearing Axle Company, sold three sets of axles featuring his newly-patented tapered roller bearings to George Dorris, vice president, and chief engineer of the St. Louis Motor Carriage Company. Following his purchase of a Cleveland-built Winton automobile, Dorris had decided to manufacture his own car, the St. Louis. Between 1899 and 1905 his factory produced 360 cars, and by 1903 Timken axles and bearings were standard equipment on St. Louis vehicles. In addition to the early inspiration from Winton, this story has another northeast Ohio connection; in 1901, Timken relocated from Missouri to nearby Canton Ohio on the advice of a key supplier, the Cleveland Axle Company.

Seeking to celebrate the Timken Centennial in 1999, company executives hit upon the idea of obtaining a St. Louis car. Automotive historian Chuck Rhoads arranged the purchase of a 1904 model, one of only eight known to exist, but the rare find needed work. From the company came a volunteer team of current and retired associates who, with the help of Dick Cocklin, a Canton Ohio-area antique car restoration expert, restored the car to better-than-new condition in just 14 months. Rhoads and George Dorris III, grandson of St. Louis Motor Carriage Company founder George Dorris, imparted valuable knowledge to the restoration team. Hundreds of hours were then spent disassembling and stripping parts. A brand-new body and top, as well as wheels, lights, and fenders, were built from scratch. The engine, transmission, and suspension were rebuilt with many specially-fabricated parts.

During the restoration, Timken Company leaders inspected an original bearing from the 1904 St. Louis rear axle assembly and were amazed at its condition. A study of this early bearing provided insight into early 1900s materials and manufacturing. The cutaway displayed next to the car shows the large, original bearing and the smaller, more efficient version that would fit a similar application today. Although current Timken technology has resulted in a 60% smaller and 90% lighter bearing, the 1904 units bear a striking resemblance to the company's ÚNIPAC bearing that was designed in the 1970s.

This St. Louis automobile is a powerful symbol of Henry Timken's ingenuity traveled to Timken Company Centennial celebrations around the world in 1999, and it was also shown at several automotive Concours d'elegance. But this car is far from a pampered 'trailer queen;' it participated in several antique car races such as the prestigious London to Brighton Run. St. Louis cars were known for their ability to withstand hazardous turn-of-the-century roads, and Timken bearings helped them live up to their promise both when they were new and nearly a century later.

Collection of the Timken Company.
CPG

Source - Canton Classic Museum

The St. Louis automobile was short-lived (1899 to 1907) but maintains a special place in the history of one of the automotive industry's major suppliers - the Timken Company.

The Timken Company was founded in St. Louis.

This St. Louis Motor Carriage car Company runabout was restored by the Timken Company because it was the first automobile company to use Timken bearings (1899). The rear axle of the car was built by the Timken Roller Bearing Axle Company.

Since its restoration, the St. Louis has appeared at many Timken plant locations around the world during the company's centennial celebration and participated in the 1999 London to Brighton Run in England.

This is the only known 4-cylinder St. Louis Motor Car known to exist. It was part of the Barney Pollard collection where a Michigan collector found it standing on end in remarkable complete condition, but requiring complete restoration. It was purchased from the Pollard collection in 1977 and completely restored during the 1980s. This car is equipped with some rare and unusual period accessories including a Gabriel single trumpet exhaust whistle and a very intricate Neverout Type 8 acetylene generator. It is finished in black with maroon leather button-tufted upholstery and a black folding top. Brass accents include a flying raptor hood ornament, radiator, front chassis cross-member, Autometer drum-style speedometer, body moldings, bulb horn, steering column, and steering wheel spokes.