1905 Cameron Runabout

The Cameron Company began with a bicycle repair business, followed by steam car production in 1899. Within a few short years, and having secured adequate financial backing, they moved into a larger plant where they produced internal combustion, air-cooled cars. During their career, they would produce trucks, tractors, marine and aviation engines, as well as cars and boats. They had several innovative creations that would become industry standards, such as left-side steering wheels, front-mounted engines, and air cooling. With a lack of patent applications in the early days of production (as was the case with many manufacturers), it is unclear 'who was first.'

The Cameron Automobile Company, founded by Everett S. Cameron, produced vehicles from 1903 through 1914 (followed by on-again, off-again production from 1916 through 1920). They are remembered for their air-cooled vehicles and for relocating often.

In the early 1900s, the company began by producing steamers in Massachusetts. Fearing that steam-powered cars would not have the longevity as gasoline-powered vehicles, they quickly to single-cylinder gasoline vehicles. A few years later, they entered an agreement with the James W. Brown Company of Pawtucket, Rhode Island to produce it for them. These early cars had advanced features such as torque tube drive and wheel steering.

Several Camerons were used in competition, including hill climbs and dirt track events. One example even captured a half-mile world record in Cincinnati, Ohio. Another example became the first air-cooled car to reach the top of Mount Washington without requiring a stop.

In 1906, the Brown Company was sold to individuals not interested in automobile production. Left without a manufacturer, the Cameron Company relocated back to Brockton, Massachusetts.

Cameron was able to secure financial backing in Massachusetts to form the Cameron Car Company. A short time later they introduced a revolutionary rear-mounted gearbox which would be used by Camerons throughout the remainder of their production lifespan. A four- and six-cylinder power plant followed.

By 1908, the Cameron Company required additional funding and more manufacturing space. They found an adequate location in Beverly, Massachusetts, at the former Upton factory. The following year, branch locations were established in New London, Connecticut, Attica, Ohio, and Alma, Michigan. Six-cylinder cars were produced at the Connecticut location, trucks were built in Michigan, and Ohio was the source of much of their financial backing.

600 Cameron vehicles were produced in 1911. Once again, feeling the need to expand, larger facilities were acquired, and the New London, Beverly, Alma, and Attica plants were closed.

Again, big manufacturing changes followed in 1913. Cameron packed up twenty freight carloads of machinery and moved to the old Methusek Piano plant in West Haven, Connecticut. The Cameron Manufacturing Company was incorporated in nearby Orange. The vehicles that followed were now air-cooled, though still using the rear-mounted transmission.

In 1916, the Cameron Company was resurrected in Norwalk, Connecticut. After a few prototypes were built, the company closed, only to have another re-birth in 1919 in yet another factory in Stamford. The new vehicles from this facility were air-cooled and powered by a new engine. A few cars were built, though the principal business from this venture was the manufacture of front-wheel-drive farm tractors, also called the Cameron. Production of the Cameron car was short-lived and was discontinued in 1920.

Forrest F. Cameron moved to Cleveland and attempted to create another Cameron. Everett S. Cameron went in another direction, designing and manufacturing aviation and marine engines. Everett would continue to design until the 1950s. He was given an honorary membership in the Antique Automobile Club of America and the Horseless Carriage Club in the 1950s.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2013