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Locomobile

Locomobile was a company that produced automobiles in the United States of America from 1899 to 1929.

The Locomobile Company of America was founded by Amzi L. Barber and John Brisben Walker and was based in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The name "Locomobile" was coined from the words locomotive and automobile. Locomobile began by producing steam powered autos, leasing a motor design from Stanley Steamer. The steam Locomobiles were unreliable, and the company started experimenting with gasoline internal combustion engines in 1902, and ended making steam vehicles the following year.

Locomobile soon became known for well built and speedy luxury cars. A Locomobile was the first United States built auto to win an international motor race, taking the Vanderbilt Cup in 1908.


Locomobile 7 passenger Touring Car
from 1920 magazine advertisement

In 1922 Locomobile was acquired by Durant Motors, which continued using the Locomobile brand name for their top-of-the-line autos until 1929.

See also: List of automobiles

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