He migrated to New York City from his native Scotland in 1878. He came to Cleveland in 1882 when he was 22. Here, he graduated from making bicycles to building automobiles.
In 1896, he completed his first motor vehicle, a one-cylinder model with bicycle-style wheels. On March 24, 1898 he had the first American-built auto to be sold commercially in the United States. At age 37 he founded a company that bears his name. During this era all automobiles were imported from Europe.
He improved the safety of the automobile, inventions such as the brakes and steering wheel is something we use every day but taken for granted.
The pioneer car manufacturer was one of the first to enter cross-country tours and speed and endurance contests, setting a whole series of records.
In 1901 at Gross Pointe Michigan, he raced his automobile against another automobile maker – Henry Ford. He was so concern about safety; he gave his steering wheel invention to Mr. Ford so he can race him. He led in most of the race, but he broke down and Henry Ford won the race.
Between 1910 and 1920, he and his company prospered. But in 1924, after refusing to acknowledge the trend toward less expensive cars or to give up his custom-building methods for new assembly-line techniques, he quit making autos. But he helped made Cleveland an automotive capital, with over 75 brand names in 1930.
He continues in building marine engines where he has a solid reputation for dependability and reliability.
Then one day a pair of gentleman from the same city contacted him about purchasing several of his lightweight and powerful engine for a rebirth of a vehicle, which did GE give up a few years earlier.
The engine proved to be just as reliable on land as well as in the seas. Both firms in Cleveland continue to do very well.
In 1930 he sold his company to General Motors. Later that year GM also folded his biggest customer into the corporation. He passed away in 1932. But research into a lightweight diesel engine continued.
The man we are speaking of is Alexander Winton. Mr. Winton biggest customer was the Electro Motive Corporation.
In 1896, he completed his first motor vehicle, a one-cylinder model with bicycle-style wheels. On March 24, 1898 he had the first American-built auto to be sold commercially in the United States. At age 37 he founded a company that bears his name. During this era all automobiles were imported from Europe.
He improved the safety of the automobile, inventions such as the brakes and steering wheel is something we use every day but taken for granted.
The pioneer car manufacturer was one of the first to enter cross-country tours and speed and endurance contests, setting a whole series of records.
In 1901 at Gross Pointe Michigan, he raced his automobile against another automobile maker – Henry Ford. He was so concern about safety; he gave his steering wheel invention to Mr. Ford so he can race him. He led in most of the race, but he broke down and Henry Ford won the race.
Between 1910 and 1920, he and his company prospered. But in 1924, after refusing to acknowledge the trend toward less expensive cars or to give up his custom-building methods for new assembly-line techniques, he quit making autos. But he helped made Cleveland an automotive capital, with over 75 brand names in 1930.
He continues in building marine engines where he has a solid reputation for dependability and reliability.
Then one day a pair of gentleman from the same city contacted him about purchasing several of his lightweight and powerful engine for a rebirth of a vehicle, which did GE give up a few years earlier.
The engine proved to be just as reliable on land as well as in the seas. Both firms in Cleveland continue to do very well.
In 1930 he sold his company to General Motors. Later that year GM also folded his biggest customer into the corporation. He passed away in 1932. But research into a lightweight diesel engine continued.
The man we are speaking of is Alexander Winton. Mr. Winton biggest customer was the Electro Motive Corporation.
