Stevens-Duryea

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Defunct

J. Stevens Arms and Tool Company was an American manufacturer of automobiles in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts between 1901 and 1915 and from 1919 to 1927. Production stopped in 1915 because of financial problems and the plant was sold to Westinghouse. Several former employees bought the name and goodwill and in 1919 restarted production. The company finally closed in 1927 after being purchsed by Owen Magnetic in 1923.

The 1904 Stevens-Duryea was a runabout model. It could seat 2 passengers and sold for US$1300. The flat-mounted water-cooled straight-2, situated amidships of the car, produced 7 hp (5.2 kW). A 3-speed transmission was fitted. The tubular-framed car weighed 1300 lb (590 kg). Full-elliptic springs were used, and a 4-person version was also available.

J. Frank Duryea and his brother Charles are credited with having produced the first true working automobile, the Duryea, in America in 1893. By the turn of the century, J. Frank Duryea parted from his brother to help establish the Stevens-Duryea. This was the only automobile ever produced with a five spoke steering wheel. The company went out of business in 1923.

References

• Frank Leslie's Popular Monthly (January, 1904)