During the decade of the 1910s, the automobile began to permeate American life, evolving from a frivolous plaything to one of life’s necessities. Cars were mass produced and mass marketing created consumer buying trends. Over the past decade, consumers have been able to choose between many different competing brands and different price points.
in his book Parade of Panati fads, stupidity and maniaCharles Panati writes:
“Simply owning a car of any kind is no longer a status symbol to strive for. Fame was achieved because one could afford (or go into debt to) buy a luxury model.”
In 1915, the number of cars became electric for the first time. More vehicles are manufactured than horse-drawn carriages.
Located in Marymount, Tacoma, Washington, the LeMay Family Collection is the largest automobile collection in the Northwest. In his collection he has over 1,500 vehicles.The museum is open The historic grounds and vehicles of the former Marymount Military Academy are displayed and stored in three buildings. Below are some of his vehicles from 1916 to 1914.
1916 REO 5th Runabout
The car sold for $875 new, and total production of all REO body styles in 1916 was 23,814. REO was started by Ransom Eli Olds. It is powered by an inline 4-cylinder, 226 cubic inch, 35 horsepower engine with overhead intake valves and side exhaust valves.
1917 Dort Touring
The car sold for $695 and total production in 1917 was 9,318 cars. Dordt manufactured cars from 1915 until his 1924. The car is powered by an inline 4-cylinder, 162 cubic inch, 20 horsepower engine.
1917 Cadillac Type 55 2 Door Roadster
This car sold new for $2,240. In 1917, Cadillac sold more than 18,000 of his cars. It is powered by a 315 cubic inch, 83 horsepower V8 engine and a 3-speed manual transmission.
1919 Franklin Model 9B
The car sold for $2,450 new and 9,334 were produced. Equipped with an air-cooled inline 6-cylinder, 199 cubic inch, 25 horsepower engine.
even more cars
LeMay Family Collection: Some of the cars from 1910 to 1914 (photo diary)
American Automobile Museum: Cars before 1910 (photo diary)
WAAAM: Automobiles before 1910 (photo diary)
Truck Museum: Trucks before 1920 (photo diary)
Museum 101: Vintage Vehicle Collection (Photo Diary)
Museum 101: Cars before 1920 (photo diary)
Packard Museum: Early Packard (photo diary)
Museum 201: Teenage Ford