1911 Sears Model K

The Sears, Roebuck & Co., had a mail-order catalogue that went to nearly every American home. In 1908, the automobile made the pages of the Sears catalogue. The vehicle was designed by Alvaro S. Krotz, and it was a rustic 'high-wheeler' that resembled a buggy 'without the horse.' It was built by the Sears Motor Car Works factory in Chicago, IL and a total of 3,500 examples were manufactured between 1908 and 1912.

Those interested in purchasing a Sears would purchase one through the mail-order catalogue. There were no dealers. In 1911, a basic model had a cost of $325. This was a tremendous buy for the consumer, but it was a loss for Sears: it cost Sears more to build than its catalogue price. Instead of increasing the price, Sears discontinued manufacturing cars in 1912 and sold its machinery to the Lincoln Motor Car Works.

No Sears were offered for sale in 1913. However, they did offer panelized garages, which were assembled by the customer by bolting panels together.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2016