1908 Kiblinger Runabout

The Kiblinger Company has a history that dates back to 1887 when they were formed to manufacture buggies and eventually bicycles. In 1894, it was purchased by W.H. McIntyre after Mr. W.H. Kiblinger passed away. By 1907, the company was producing commercial automobiles. It is believed that the first cars they produced were built in the Eckhart factory. Soon, the company acquired a plant on Lincoln Street in Auburn, Indiana.

When a patent infringement suit appeared by the Success Company in 1908, the company changed its name to the W.H. McIntyre Company and continued with production until 1915.

The Kiblinger automobile, bearing that name from 1907 through 1909, was priced at $250. The Model F, the most expensive Kiblinger in the lineup, sold for $450. The Model A was powered by a two-cylinder engine that produced four horsepower. Two other versions of the engine were available - the Model B and C were fitted with a 6-horsepower unit, while the Model D, E, and F had the 10-horsepower version.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2010