Quiz Archive

About quiz # 203 1907 Economy ((UPDATE: on 1907..!)

"If you live in the Midwest of the US you know that winter often lasts a long time and the car season is short. For those who are dressed up for a car show but with nowhere to go I would highly recommend a trip to the Antique Car Museum of Iowa (see also PreWarCar.TV). The collection is impressive and unexpected with cars ranging from a 1899 Haynes-Apperson, the 1911 Elmore that was a Chickasha in March has found a home here, there is a wonderfully original 1910 Model T touring and many other highly original, unrestored cars. Here, one can see a 1903 Ford and a 1903 Cadillac and can marvel at their similarities. There is also an original 1907 Economy high wheeler! So, should you find yourself on I-80 passing by Iowa City take the time to get off at Coralville." So far Thomas Edfors who was kind enough to send us his photos and comments on this very special museum. Alas, nobody was succesful with this quiz. That is to say, most competitors were delured by our hints and the car's design... (see Read More)
(text & photos Thomas Edfors)

UPDATE by David Green:"The Economy Motor Buggy Company had a short life, 1907-1911, and in that short life its motor buggy was built at two sites. It appears it started out in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where it was subject to the litigation you refer to. According to the Joliet web-site, it moved to Joliet, Illinois where a new factory began operating on January 13, 1909. The following is taken from the Joliet web-site: "According to the late John Whiteside, "The Economy Motor Buggy started manufacturing its vehicle in Fort Wayne, Ind. in 1907. But because of infringing on patents held by a St. Louis company and resulting lawsuits, Economy quietly closed its Indiana shop and moved to Joliet, where they opened a building on Bissel Street."" This may have been a new incorporation in Illinois, designed to escape the litigation. A date of 1907 is entirely consistent with the evidence of John Whiteside, but, short of finding a manufacturer's plate with Fort Wayne on it, it will be difficult to prove. Stylistically, one might hazard that the upright steering wheel predates the tilted one seen in the 1909 buggy, for which there is an advertisement on the Joliet web-site." and came up with the highwheeler named 'Succes' which name arguably is not directly associated with Al Gore. We thought the jump from the green ambassador to the 'Economy' automobile was easier. However the funny thing is that Succes (form St.Louis) was the manufacturer who chased the makers of the Economy (Indian & Illinois SCAC) for years because of patent infringements by Economy. One hundred years later this quiz has proven how close the design of the Economy resembled that from the Succes. Nobody came up with Economy. Al Mercer and Mark Dawber both came up with Succes. We still can have a winner in this quiz. The first who can solve the riddle of the year of the car (we don't know). Economy existed from 1908-1911 according to the Standard Catalogue of American Cars. However, the museum dates the car on 1907. Do you know why? \n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it '> This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Friday, 25 May 2007