The S.G.V. was built in Reading, Pennsylvania, from 1911-1915. The initials represent the last names of Herbert M. Sternbergh, Robert E. Graham, and Fred Vantine. The S.G.V. Automobile Mfg. Co. was the successor to Acme Motor Co., unfortunately inheriting the former's troubles from its front office. The car boasted advanced features with standard models ranging from $3,400 - $4,500. Custom coachwork by Quimby and Fleetwood could push the bill upwards to $12,000! The car was popular with American aristocracies like the Drexels, Vanderbilts, Astors, and Biddles, as well as Hollywood stars, the king of England, the German Kaiser, and the czar of Russia.

When the company decided to equip its cars with the Vulcan four-speed electric gear shift (mounted on the steering wheel spoke and push-button actuated) it resulted in one of the industry's first recalls creating disastrous publicity that the already shaky company could not counter.

During the company's prosperous years, as many as 35 to 40 examples were built monthly.

The company came to a close during the summer of 194 when the entire S.G.V. plant went into receivership. Press reports of the era stated that 'thirty-two- complete chassis of the latest model 1915, 100 assorted up-to-date Quinby and Fleetwood bodies, a large quantity of radiators, etc.' were part of the inventory up for auction. The factory was purchased by R.J. Metzler who had plans to continue S.G.V. manufacture. This was not to be the case. Instead, he joined other businessmen and produced the Phianna.