The Saxon automobile was the creation of industry veteran Hugh Chalmers, whose Chalmers automobiles were among the most popular medium-priced automobiles at the time. The Chalmers Motor Company was founded in 1908, and their vehicles quickly earned a reputation for durability and engineering prowess, which in turn resulted in an enviable reputation for their performance in touring events. By 1911, the company was the eighth-largest auto producer in the United States. By early 1923, stiff competition had forced the Chalmers Motor Company to merge with Maxwell Motor, ultimately forming the basis for the Chrysler Corporation.
The Saxon Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan, produced an economical cyclecar priced under $400. Despite its diminutive stature and low price, it offered substantial features such as a 4-cylinder water-cooled engine, shaft drive, and a selective 2-speed transmission. Its durability was proven when a 1914 Roadster model was driven 135 miles for 30 days across the country. It had been driven 4,050 total miles and averaged 30 mpg. This feat was rewarded with strong sales and by 1915, the company was producing 12,000 cars out of their new factory yearly.
Harry W. Ford, formerly with Chalmers, acquired Saxon in 1915, became President, reorganized the company, and related production to the former Abbott factory. 1916 proved to be the company's peak year, with an output of approximately 27,800 Saxon automobiles. The company moved 'upmarket,' embracing practicality and traditional practices with the introduction of the Saxon Six, followed in 1917 by a Sedan.
By the close of 1917, Harry W. Ford had been replaced as president by Benjamin Gotfredson. The construction of a larger factory and attempting to expand too quickly led to financial issues for the Saxon Company. Reorganizing production, the four-cylinder models were abandoned, as was the Sedan in 1919.
Mr. Gotfredson's time as president of Saxon was brief; in 1919, he was replaced by another former Chalmers manager named C. A. Pfeffer. By this point in history, Saxon was in serious financial difficulty and was unable to pay for its new factory, so it was sold to General Motors. Hoping to revitalize sales and re-establish its success from previous years, the company re-introduced the sedan body and a new model dubbed the Saxon Duplex. The latter was powered by an overhead-valve, four-cylinder engine. After 1921, the company shed its six-cylinder range.
Many companies struggled during the economic depression of 1920 and 1921, beginning 14 months after the end of World War I. With sales of just 2,100 automobiles in 1921, Saxon was forced to sell off their parts business to settle debuts. With the proceeds, the company was moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan, and into the Ace car plant. Within a year, the company was out of business. Between 1913 and 1922, it is estimated that the Saxon automobile company produced 92,684 vehicles.
by Dan Vaughan