1921 Stearns-Knight SKL-4

At the age of 17 Frank Ballou Stearns designed and built an automobile. In 1898 he organized a company with his father to produce motorized buggies. Two years later he had built 50 Stearns automobiles all powered by a single-cylinder engine. In 1901 the Stearns automobiles were given steering wheels. The following year the cars got a boost in power, now featuring two cylinders. In 1902 the company used a left-hand drive configuration but soon dropped the design. In 1914 they re-introduced the left-hand drive configuration.

Racing was very important during the early 1900s. The results on the track often boosted sales and drove customers into their show rooms. Though the company never produced any race-prepared vehicles, their stock versions proved to be rather potent and competitive. in 1910 a Stearns automobile captured a speed and endurance record.

The Stearns automobiles were known for their quality and durability. In 1911 the company pursued the first American license to produce the 'valveless' Knight engine. This design was developed by a Wisconsin individual and was featured in many European cars. Soon Stearns was producing their 'Stearns-Knights' in the factory that used to be occupied by the Royal Tourist Company before they went defunct.

In 1917 Frank Stearns retired from the company due to ill health. After spending some time away from his company, he began experimenting again with engines and eventually produced a two-stroke overhead-cam diesel engine. This was later sold to the United States Navy.

The company continued to prosper due to its styling and durability. Though their nitch in the market was in high-end cars, they shifted down-market in 1914 to compete on a wider scale. Sales continued to be strong for a number of years until they were bought by John North Willys, the owner of the Willys-Overland Company, in 1925. Under Willy's direction, the company continued to produce high-end cars until they were forced to dissolve the company as the Great Depression depleted the market.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2014