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The Mechanics of the Early 1900s Automobiles

By Cars & Vehicles Last updated Monday, May/20/2024

1900s Cars

At the turn of the century, steam and electric cars were more popular than those powered by gasoline internal-combustion engines. Steam cars such as the early 1900s Stanley Steamer were powered by boilers heated gas or kerosene. Battery-powered cars did not require gear shifting or hand cranking to start up. The first cars had open passenger compartments and tiller steering. As the decade progressed, mass-produced gas-engined cars began to dominate the market.

The 1901 Curved Dash Olds was the first mass-produced line of gasoline cars in the United States. The car was started with a crank mounted on the side of the seat. Its 95.4 cubic-inch, single-cylinder engine generated 4.5 horsepower at 500 rpm. The spur-gear transmission had two forward speeds and reverse. The Olds used bevel-type differential gears and a tiller steering gear. Differential and rear wheel band-brakes provided stopping power. Its suspension consisted of sideways mounted leaf-springs.

The first Cadillacs were built in 1902. They were powered by a single-cylinder 10 horsepower Leland & Faulconer engine nicknamed the "Little Hercules." A jackshaft crank connected by a chain to the crankshaft started the engine. The detachable horizontal cylinder featured a copper water-jacket lining. An impeller pump circulated water from the front-mounted radiator. A two-speed planetary gearbox was operated by a lever and foot-pedal. The rear half-axles employed mechanical brakes. The car's rack and pinion steering was adjustable.

In 1903, Ford Motor Company began producing the Model A. The runabout-bodied vehicle featured an opposed two-cylinder engine mounted in the center of the car. The cast-iron-block, 100.4-cubic-inch engine produced 8 horsepower. It had four valves, mechanical lifters and a Schebler carburetor. By 1904, Ford introduced an in-line four-cylinder engine rated at 24 horsepower. Ford's planetary transmission had two forward and one reverse gear. A differential band brake stopped the car.