Ajax Motor Vehicle Company facts for kids
The Ajax Motor Vehicle Company was an American company that made electric cars. It was based in New York City and operated from 1901 to 1903. The company produced a car called the Ajax Electric. Their factory was located in Manhattan, near the famous Macy's Department Store.
The Story of Ajax Motors
The Ajax Motor Vehicle Company was started by two brothers from New York City, Walter and Alfred L. Simpson. They began their company in July 1901 with $10,000. Their factory was on West 36th Street in Manhattan.
What Kind of Car Did They Make?
Ajax Motors built a small, open car with two seats. It was called a runabout. The car had narrow 28-inch wire wheels with air-filled tires. You could also get mudguards for it.
When it first came out, the car cost $1,100. Later, the price was lowered to $850. The car's frame was like a bicycle, made from strong steel tubes. It had a 24-volt electric motor that produced 1.5 horsepower. This motor used a chain to power the back wheels. The car also had brakes on the rear axle and the motor. You steered the car with a handle called a tiller, located on the left side.
Why Did the Company Close?
Ajax Motors showed their cars at the 1903 New York International Auto Show. However, the company closed later that same year. This might have happened because the market for electric cars in the U.S. faced problems around 1902. There was also a well-known accident involving a racing Baker electric car. Ajax Motors only sold their cars in New York City.
The company had a special logo: a forearm with a clenched fist. This was similar to the logo used by Arm & Hammer much later. Their slogan was, "An Honest Automobile At An Honest Price."
Today, an original Ajax Electric car in good condition could be worth more than $14,000.
