1911 National Model 40

The National Automobile & Electric Company of Indianapolis was founded in 1900 and initially produced electric vehicles. In 1903, they added internal combustion-engined cars with engines supplied by Rutenber to their roster. Electric cars were dropped from production in 1905. The early gasoline-powered automobiles included a light twin and a 16-horsepower four. By 1905, a larger car with a 23/30-horsepower Rutenber engine, three-speed gearbox, and shaft drive became available.

Racing was prominent part of the company's history, understandably so considering the company president, Arthur C. Newby, was one of the founders of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Among the many accolades achieved during its racing career, a National won a 100-mile endurance race at the State Fairgrounds in 1905. National automobiles were frequently raced on the dirt oval Speedway following its opening in 1909, and for the inaugural 500 in 1911, the first 'brickyard' race, National fielded a three-car team, one of which finished seventh.

Nationals raced at the 1912 Indianapolis 500, with one driving by Joe Dawson averaging 78.22 mph and crossed the finish line in first place. This was the last (and also the first) time a fully stock car would achieved victory at the Indy 500.

National automobiles would continue to capture many first place victories throughout 1912, winning road races in across the United States including in Illinois, California, and the Los Angeles-to-Phoenix Cactus Derby. Nevertheless, management made the decision to withdraw from competition at the end of the year.

Sales remained strong, and the company enjoyed its peak production in 1915, with production exceeding 1,800 vehicles. The following year, the company introduced the Highway Twelve, equipped with a twelve-cylinder engine of the company's own design. During 1916, the company changed its name to National Motor and Vehicle Corporation.

The years that followed World War I were difficult for the automobile industry, with several illustrious names fading into the sunset. National was forced to raise their prices due to inflation, and ultimately ended up in a higher price range in which it was very difficult to compete. By 1920, the company had shed its Highway Sixes and Twelves and introduced a new Continental side-valve six-cylinder powered model named the Sextet.

In 1922, the company merged with Dixie Flyer and Jackson, forming Associated Motor Industries. In 1912, Associated was renamed the National Motors Corporation. The company ceased production in 1924.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2024