1910 Knox Model R

The Knox Automobile Company of Springfield, Massachusetts, was in business from 1900 through 1914. Mr. Knox graduated from Springfield Technical Institute and had apprenticed at the Elektron Company, which manufactured elevators. He later worked with the Overman Wheel Company before he was coaxed into building an automobile by his next-door neighbor J. Frank Duryea. In 1900, the Knox Automobile Company produced fifteen three-wheeler runabouts. The following year, production had grown to approximately 100 vehicles. Around 1,000 vehicles were built in 1907, and 1,412 were built in 1910.

During the early years, Knox was renowned for its air-cooled models with unique 'porcupine' engines. The three-wheeler runabout eventually grew into fine luxury cars, and by 1910 boasted modern shaft drive and a water-cooled 4-cylinder engine, with overhead valves for both exhaust and intake, and an aluminum gearbox with an oil-bathed clutch.

After the death of A.N. Mayo, the company's treasurer, it began operating under a trusteeship. By May of 1914, the company's assets were purchased by Edward O. Sutton, who reorganized as the Knox Motor Company and began manufacturing fire apparatus units and tractor-trailers. Production of the passenger car came to an end in 1914.

The 1910 Knox Model R had a 117-inch wheelbase platform and was powered by a four-cylinder engine offering 40 horsepower. It was the smallest of the company's platform (which included the 127-inch wheelbase Model M and the 134-inch six-cylinder Model S) but the most diverse, with six body styles to choose from. The list included a limousine, landaulet, raceabout, touring, tourabout, and a tonneautte. Prices ranged from $3,100 to $4,000.

by Daniel Vaughan | May 2019