The museum will be open Saturday, May 10th.
AUTOMOBILES
The antique automobiles of The Collection on Palmetto date from 1886 to 1952, with special attention paid to the Brass Era, from 1896-1915. In no other era of automotive history did technology develop as rapidly. From materials used to methods of propulsion, the Brass Era is a formative era in car development.
Letter on antique automobiles from Steve Cook, HCCA Chairman of the Board
The Brass Era
Today we consider the automobile almost as an extension of our own bodies. We describe distance not in miles, but in minutes/hours. Rain, darkness, mountains, rivers, and extremes in temperature don't even factor into our travel plans. It wasn't always that way.
In 1900 America was a vast and mostly rural place compared to rest of the civilized world. The average American would live and die never venturing beyond a 25-mile radius of home. The first 15 years of the automobile would take us from an isolated existence to give folks the independence and freedom to be fully interconnected. Within a single generation life went from 6 to 60 MPH!
In many ways the evolution of the automobile parallels the space race. Sputnik to space shuttle occurred over a similar time span. The advancements in technology, metallurgy and manufacturing were equally advanced with both evolutions. Their impacts on life are almost immeasurable.
The dawn of the automobile up to the first world war is referred to as the “brass era” due to the brightwork being of brass since chrome plating had yet to be invented.
Take a tour through our collection to gain a better understanding of how that all unfolded.
Steve Cook, Horseless Carriage Club of America Chairman of the Board
Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.
Henry Ford
Steam automobiles
At the Collection on Palmetto, we mean steam!
Steam power boosted America's burgeoning economic landscape at the turn of the 20th century. Industry was fortified by steam-powered giants in refineries, textile plants, steel mills and factories. Newly built transcontinental railroads relied on steam locomotives as towns and cities grew, cross-country networks of wealth were forged, and new opportunities arose from east to west and north to south. The utility of steam, its power and versatility in a variety of applications were by now well-known, so it was hardly a surprise when car manufacturers opted to include steam as a method of propulsion. Steam-powered cars were reliable, powerful, quiet and fast. In 1906, Fred Marriott captured the land-speed record in a steam-powered car known as the Stanley Rocket. His winning speed topped 127 mph. Pictured to the right is a 1910 Stanley Model 70, a popular model produced by the Stanley Motor Carriage Company.
Electric cars then and now
History of Electrics
What is the Future of Electrics?
Who Bought Electrics?
Electric cars were invented in the 1800s, before the invention of the electric starter. The first small scale electric vehicle was invented in 1832, but electric cars didn't hit the market until the late 1880s.
Inventor Thomas Edison worked to improve the batteries of electric cars, and he developed an alkaline battery that was lighter th
Electric cars were invented in the 1800s, before the invention of the electric starter. The first small scale electric vehicle was invented in 1832, but electric cars didn't hit the market until the late 1880s.
Inventor Thomas Edison worked to improve the batteries of electric cars, and he developed an alkaline battery that was lighter than the lead-acid batteries commonly used. Electric cars were popular with car buyers in the early 1900s.
Who Bought Electrics?
What is the Future of Electrics?
Who Bought Electrics?
Electric cars were popular with women and professionals, who wanted a car that was easy to start and operate. Electric cars had a range of 50 miles or so, then they needed to be charged. That's why electric cars were popular in cities, where you get from place to place in a relatively small distance, and you had access to charging station
Electric cars were popular with women and professionals, who wanted a car that was easy to start and operate. Electric cars had a range of 50 miles or so, then they needed to be charged. That's why electric cars were popular in cities, where you get from place to place in a relatively small distance, and you had access to charging stations.
Notable owners of electrics include Thomas Edison and Madame Walker, one of the first black female millionaires in our country.
What is the Future of Electrics?
What is the Future of Electrics?
What is the Future of Electrics?
The invention of the electric starter by Charles Kettering solidified the idea that gas cars would rule the automobile innovation race for quite some time. Electrics were superseded by gas-powered automobiles, which had an unlimited range; as long as fuel could be found, gasoline-powered automobiles could keep on going.
With an increased
The invention of the electric starter by Charles Kettering solidified the idea that gas cars would rule the automobile innovation race for quite some time. Electrics were superseded by gas-powered automobiles, which had an unlimited range; as long as fuel could be found, gasoline-powered automobiles could keep on going.
With an increased range and better value and availability than before, electrics are a viable choice for American consumers.
What is the future of electrics?
LINKS
Stanley Register Online
A list of all registered Stanley Steam cars. Great for history buffs.
Antique Automobile Club of America
America's premier resource for the collectible vehicle community