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1916 Scripps-Booth Model C

The Scripps-Booth Motor Company produced vehicles from 1912 through 1917 before becoming a part of the Chevrolet model. The name 'Scripps-Booth' could be found on the grille of the vehicles for a number of years, ending in 1922.

From 1915 through 1919 the standard colors were dark blue or light gray. The chassis and fenders were black. The Houk Quick Demountable wire wheels were standard and painted in a light cream color. Changing tires was easy so they were often popular with the ladies. Because of this, the company advertised heavily in woman's magazines.

The Scripps-Booth Vehicles were one of the first to carry a spare tire and wheel.

The example shown has wire wheels, running boards, and curved fenders. The windshield is different from others of its time in that it is curved.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster

James Scripps Booth was the eldest son of George Gough Booth and Ellen Warren Scripps, founders of the Cranbrook Educational Community. He was an artist, and self-taught engineer, car designer, and automotive industrialist.

Booth's first vehicle project was the unique Bi-Autogo, which had a wheel in front and in the rear, like a motorcycle, but also smaller wheels on each side for stability when stopped. It was powered by a big V8 engine cooled by 450 feet of copper tubing. Only one was built.

A two-seater 'cycle car' was Booth's next project and it would have a short but successful production run. In 1915 production of the first Scripps-Booth car began. Designated the Model C, it was designed by William Stout (who later created the Stout Scarab). The car had a unique 'step-down' configuration that placed the floor below the chassis frame, a design not widely used in the industry until 30 years later. It was powered by a 20-horsepower Sterling engine.

In 1917 the Chevrolet Motor Company took over Scripps-Booth, and in 1918 both companies became part of General Motors. Scripps-Booth production reached new highs under GM ownership during 1919-1920 but would cease by 1923.

This Model C is owned by James Scripps Booth's grandson and his wife.