1902 elmore
The Elmore Manufacturing Company was a manufacturer of veteran and brass era automobiles and bicycles, located in Clyde, Ohio, from 1893 until 1912. The company took its name from its original place of manufacture, the nearby village of Elmore. Founded by Harmon Von Vechten Becker and his two sons, James and Burton, the Elmore used a two-stroke engine design, initially in straight twin or single-cylinder versions with 3 and 4 cylinder models to follow in later years.
Elmore always promoted their 2 stroke vehicles as "the car that has no valves" and were fiercely parochial about the benefits of 2 stroke verses 4 stroke motors. Apart from the motor, Elmore's were produced along conventional lines and for over a decade were very successful.
This model Elmore is said to be a 1902 however is likely to be a 1902 production 1903 model, 10-12hp 2 cylinder. It was delivered new to Hamilton Square NJ and is reportedly the 1st car to have arrived in Hamilton Square. Of the 20 or so known Elmore's, this is the probably the oldest known with one other pre 1904 model known to survive. Formerly from the prestigious Rothschild collection, this car has been in storage for nearly 20 years.
A mildly expensive car in its day selling at $800 (a new Curved Dash Olds was $650) this sturdy 2 cylinder runabout with its nickel highlights would make a wonderful London to Bright entrant, be a hit on any 1 & 2 Cylinder Tour or just be a unique addition to any Edwardian or Brass Era collection.