When thinking about some of the first mass-produced automobiles, the Ford Model T will usually come to mind. Henry Ford cemented his legacy in history by introducing the assembly line to produce the Ford Model T after all. In the early 1900s, other Auto Manufactures were doing their best to compete with Ford’s Model T. This began the speed and horsepower wars that continue even to this day.
The top speed numbers for these early cars may seem laughable compared to today, but they were revolutionary for the time.
While the Ford Model T gets most of the spotlight in early 1900s history, the competition brought some impressive top speed numbers against Ford.
1: Ford Model T History
The Ford Model T was introduced in 1908 and continued production until 1927. It truly revolutionized the automotive industry as it allowed the rising working middle class to purchase their own automobile. At the time, the automobile was somewhat of a luxury item that only the wealthiest people could afford.
The Ford Model T also was the highest selling automobile selling 15 million units and was until the Volkswagen Beetle surpassed it in sales in 1972.
2: Ford Model T Top Speed
The Ford Model T was powered by an inline 4-cylinder engine that produced 20-hp. With its three-speed transmission, The Model T was able to hit a top speed of 42 mph.
3: 1912 Chevrolet Series C Classic Six Top Speed
The Chevrolet Series C Classic Six 6 was Chevrolet’s first automobile. It featured a cast iron 6 cylinder engine with a T-head design. With 40-hp on tap, The Chevrolet Series C Classic Six 6 could hit an impressive 65 mph, according to Chevy Hardcore.
Chevy’s Series C Classic Six 6 was produced from 1911-1914, although exact production numbers cannot be confirmed.
4: 1910 Overland Model 38 Top Speed
The Overland Automobile company was started in 1903 by a gentleman named Claude Cox. In 1908, John Willys bought Overland Automotive and renamed it The Willys–Overland Motor Company. While the Overland Models were only available for 23 years, one of their more popular models was the Model 38 Speedster.
With its 25-hp 3.3 liter 4-cylinder engine, the 1910 Overland Model 38 Speedster could achieve a top speed of 50 mph, according to Treasure Cars. The Overland line of automobiles was discontinued in 1926 when it was succeeded by the Willys Whippet.
5: 1911 Cadillac Model 30 Touring Top Speed
When Cadillac was purchased by General Motors in 1909, The Cadillac Model 30 was the first model to be introduced after the purchase. Model 30 was only produced from 1909-1911. Powered by a 3.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 25.6-hp, the 1909 Cadillac Model 30 Touring could reach a top speed of 40 mph.
The Cadillac Model 30 was succeeded by the 1912 Model 1912, 1913 Model 1913, and 1914 Model 1914 which were very similar to the Model 30 except their engines were bored out to produce more horsepower. Cadillac’s 4-cylinder engine in the platform was discontinued in 1914 to make way for Cadillac’s first V8 engine.
6: 1911 Buick Model 33 Top Speed
As another division of General Motors, the brand Buick produced The Model 33 was under the Buick 4 line of automobiles that were produced from 1909-1918. The Model 33 was powered by a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine that produced 40-hp.
This combined with the 3-speed transmission helped the Buick Model 33 achieve a top speed of 35 mph. The Buick 4 Model 33 was succeeded by The Buick Six in 1914.
7: 1911 Maxwell Model AB Runabout Top Speed
Maxwell One of their more popular models that competed with The Ford Model T was the Maxwell Model AB Runabout. Powered by a horizontally opposed two-cylinder “boxer” engine that produced 14-hp, The 1911 Maxwell Model AB Runabout could achieve a top speed of 35 mph. The Maxwell Motor Company was discontinued in 1925 when it was purchased by Chrysler.
8: 1911 Brush Model E Runabout Top Speed
Brush Motor Car Company was founded in 1907 by Alanson Partridge Brush. Although the company was only in business from 1907–1913, The Brush Model E was a competitor to the Ford Model T. The 1911 Brush Model E was powered by a 1.0-liter L-head Single Cylinder engine that produced 10-hp. The 2-speed transmission helped propel the Model E to a top speed of 35 mph.
9: 1911 EMF Studebaker 30 Touring Top Speed
The E-M-F Company was another American automobile manufacturer that was only in business for a few short years. One of their models that competed with the Ford Model T was the 1911 E-M-F Studebaker 30 Touring.
Powered by a 30-hp, 3.7 liter L-head inline four-cylinder engine, the 1911 E-M-F Studebaker 30 Touring could achieve a top speed of 21 mph. Although the E-M-F name was discontinued in 1913, The company would continue on under the Studebaker name.
