1899 Knox Model A

Harry A. Knox had a neighbor named J. Frank Duryea. Together with Charles Duryea, had built one of America's first gasoline cars. J. Frank encouraged Mr. Knox to experiment and build his own automobile. Mr. Knox's background included a degree from the Springfield Technical Institute and apprenticing with the Elektron Company, which manufactured elevators in Springfield, Massachusetts. He left the Elektron Company in 1895 and began working with the Overman Wheel Company of Chicopee Falls. While at Overman, he began experiments with gasoline cars. In 1898 he left Overman and returned to Springfield and back to his former Elektron boss, E.H. Cutler, where they formed the Knox Automobile Company.

The early vehicles were three-wheeled light runabouts that were heavily influenced by the bicycle, horse-drawn carriage, and infant auto industry. The running gear was inspired by bicycle technology, and the body was typical of carriage construction, with the horse removed and replaced by a motor. Instead of a steering wheel, the Knox Runabout used a tiller.

Knox automobiles were popular, with approximately 15 examples being produced in 1900. The following year, production rose to around 100, and by 1902 approximately 250 cars rolled out of the factory.

The Knox automobiles were produced from 1900 to 1914 and were renowned during the earlier years for the air-cooled models with unique 'porcupine' engines. This earned them the nickname, the 'Old Porcupine.' Instead of using the traditional fins, the engine used two-inch pins in the cylinder barrel. The setup expanded the cooling surface of the engine, allowing it to be air-cooled. This made the Knox automobile one of the earlier air-cooled American cars.

The three-wheeled Knox runabout lasted through 1901; the air-cooled setup remained a Knox feature well into the decade.

Mr. Knox resigned from the company in 1904 over a management dispute, but they continued to build motorcars until 1914.

Over the years, the Knox automobile evolved into a luxury car and by 1910 was using a modern shaft drive and a water-cooled 4-cylinder engine, with overhead valves for the exhaust and intake.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2019