Ajax Motor Vehicle Company was a now-defunct American brass era electric car manufacturer established in New York City, which operated from 1901 until 1903. It produced the Ajax Electric car. [1] Its factory was located at 220 West 36th Street, just north of the famed Macy's Department Store in Manhattan. [1] [2]
Ajax Motor Vehicle Company was formed by New York City brothers Walter Simpson and Alfred L. Simpson, with an initial capitalization of US$10,000. [2] [3] They set up manufacturing in July 1901, in a factory located on Manhattan's West 36th Street, not far from Macy's. [1]
The company produced an open two-seat lightweight runabout that rode on narrow 28 inch wire wheels with pneumatic tires and optional mudguards. [4] [5] It was originally priced at US$1,100, but later reduced to $850. [1] [2] The frame of the car was similar to bicycle construction, with seamless-drawn steel tubing, joined by brazing into drop-forged lugs. [2] The 24V electric motor was rated at 1+1⁄2 bhp and had a chain drive to the rear axle and differential. Mechanical brakes were provided on both rear axle and motor. Steering was by a crosswise tiller to the left seat. [2]
Ajax had a display at the 1903 New York Auto Show, but closed later that year. [2] This may have been precipitated by the 1902 collapse in the US electric car market, following dubious selling of electric car stocks, and a high-profile accident to a racing Baker. No cars were sold outside New York City. [1]
The company's forearm and clenched fist logo predated the similar one used by Arm & Hammer. [1] They later used the slogan, "An Honest Automobile At An Honest Price". [2]
Today, a car in original condition could be worth in excess of $14,000. [1]
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