Roadster

George D. Grant and his brother, Charles A. Grand of Detroit, MI founded the Grand Motor Car Company in late 1913. A short time later, they took over a former nail factory in Findlay, Ohio, and moved their company there. They remained in Findlay until 1916 when it moved to Cleveland. It remained in production until October 1922.

The early two-seater roadsters had a base price of $495. For an additional $10, they could be equipped from the factory with lighting and starting. They had a small size, with a 90-inch wheelbase, and many people perceived them to be a 'cyclecar,' even though it was sold as a 'miniature motor car.' The size was popular in England, but not in the United States, so in 1915, the Grant Company changed to a 44 horsepower, six-cylinder tourer and discontinued the roadster.

This particular example was purchased by the Swigart Museum in 1947, in Fayette, Iowa. It was originally used as an outside car on the museum grounds, then restored and placed on exhibition in 1961.

by Dan Vaughan