Midland Motor Company was an American brass era automobile manufacturer in Moline, Illinois from 1908 to 1913.[1][2]
 Unusual Cars at Common Prices | |
| Industry | Automobile manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Deere-Clarke Motor Car Co. |
| Founded | 1908 |
| Founder | Charles H. Pope, President |
| Defunct | 1913 |
| Fate | Bankrupt |
| Headquarters | Moline, Illinois, |
| Products | Automobiles |
Production output | 2,954 (1909-1913) |
History edit
Midland Motor Company formed from the remnants of the Deere-Clark Motor Car Company after the John Deere company pulled out of the venture.[1]
In 1910, Midland produced two models. The Model L was a touring car with a 318in3 (5213cc) (41⁄2×5-inch, 114×127 mm) four-cylinder engine of 40 hp (30 kW) built by Milwaukee. It had a wheelbase of 115 in (2921 mm), 34×4-inch (86×10-cm) spoke wheels, and the choice of partial tonneau or roadster with trunk. In 1911 this was mid-priced at $2,100 (equivalent to $68,670 in 2023).[2]
The Model K was a touring car with a 390in3 (6389cc) (43⁄4×51⁄2-inch, 120×140 mm) four of 50 hp (37 kW). It had a wheelbase of 118 in (2997 mm), 36×4-inch (91×10-cm) spoke wheels, and the choice of touring or demi-tonneau bodies. In 1911 this was higher mid-priced at $2,250[2]
Midland had progressive engineering, with an in-unit engine and transmission. The drive-line from the engine to the differential was enclosed. A six-cylinder car was introduced in 1912.[1]
In 1911 Charles Pope retired and died the next year. The company entered bankruptcy in 1913 due to mismanagement.[1]
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1908 Midland Advertisement in Cycle and Automobile Trade Journal -
1911 Midland Advertisement in Cycle and Automobile Trade Journal
See also edit
- List of defunct United States automobile manufacturers
- Velie and Moline, are other early automobile manufacturers from Moline, Illinois.
- 1911 Midland Model L-1 at Conceptcarz
References edit
- ^ a b c d Kimes, Beverly Rae; Clark Jr., Henry Austin (1996). Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1942 (3rd ed.). Krause Publications. ISBN 978-0-87341-428-9.
- ^ a b c Clymer, Floyd. Treasury of Early American Automobiles, 1877-1925 (New York: Bonanza Books, 1950), p.93.