Acme (automobile)

In November 1905 the company was taken over by Frank A Devlin of Devlin and Co, Chicago. Devlin owned Carson, Pirie, Scott, and Co one of America's largest jobbing houses. The purchase price was rumored to have been $250,000. The new owners intended to specialize in tourist cars (a touring car, limousine, and landaulette) and delivery wagons.[12][13]

In October 1908 Devlin was killed in an automobile accident.[14]

James C Reber went to work for the Keystone Wagon Works in February 1907 as General Manager on a 10-year contract, but they went into receivership in November sparking a lawsuit from Reber which he won.[15] Reber went into poultry farming from that period until 1911, when he began a wholesale tobacco business.[16] Reber died after a period of illness in 1933 aged 65.[17]

The firm went into receivership in July 1906 with Daniell J Driscoll appointed receiver by the Court. The plant was kept in operation by the receiver to ensure a reasonable return to its debtors.[18] The business was sold in February 1907 by the receiver to Herbert M Sternbergh for $65,881.12. Sternbergh held interests in the Duryea Power Company.[19] The registered capital was reduced to $5,000.[20]

Acme introduced its first 6-cylinder car, a touring car called the Sextuplet, at the New York motor show in September 1907.[21] Acme also increased its involvement in motor racing through 1908. In 1909 it introduced a 10-year guarantee on its 6-cylinder models.

In May 1909 an ocean to ocean endurance race, from New York to Seattle was proposed. Sternbergh strongly supported the idea, especially as it would draw attention to the poor condition of transcontinental roading. He hoped it would lead to significant improvements.[22]

Acme sold its site and plant to J H Sternbergh for $72,100 in May 1911.[23] Sternbergh in turn sold the Acme Motor Car Company and leased the plant to a New York consortium. The company's name was changed to SGV.[24] Sternbergh died in March 1913.[25]

Marketed as the Reber, the 1903 Acme was a tonneau powered by a 12 hp vertical-twin engine fitted to a three speed transmission and double chain drive. It was advertised as costing $1,800. The car weighed 1,650 pounds. Its wheelbase was 78 inches and its width was 54 inches.[35]

A 16 hp car that was advertised for sale at $1,650.[36]

This model sold for $2,000. It had a 16-horsepower two-cylinder engine. It had an 84-inch wheelbase on a steel chassis. This type was offered with the option of three different bodies styles; a standard touring car, a delivery body, or an enclosed opera sedan.[37][38]

A 30 hp with top and headlights and 4 speed transmission. Priced at $2,750.[36]

This type sold for $800. It had a single-cylinder 9 horsepower engine on steel chassis with a 76-inch wheel base.[37]

A 16 hp two seater with a three speed transmission and semi-racing body advertised at $1,000.[36][39]

In 1906, the company was advertising a 5-passenger tonneau in a national trade magazine. Model XIV was a 4-cylinder water cooled 30 to 35-horsepower motor and was priced at US$2,750 with maximum speed of 50 miles per hour (80 km/h).[36][40] It had a wood body on a pressed steel frame, three speed transmission, double drive chain. Its tank held 18 gallons of petrol. The car weighed 2,200 lbs. The wheel base was 102 inches, tread 56 inches. A top for the car cost an extra $150.[41]

1906 Acme Type XV

The Type XV was priced at US$3,500 ($3,000 in 1908). It was a 7-passenger Touring Car with a 4-cylinder motor of 45 to 50 hp. Maximum speed was 60 miles per hour (97 km/h).[36][40] It had a wooden body on a pressed steel frame. The car weighed 2,600 lbs. Its wheel base was 114 inches and tread 56 inches. The tyres were 4.5 inch Morgan and Wright on 34 inch diameter wheels. It had a 20-gallon fuel tank.[33][41]

A five-passenger touring which sold for $2,800 and a roadster. Similar to the Type XVIII.[33][42] Was priced at $3,500 in 1907.[43]

No details. Possibly the Vanderbilt race car. The car was powered by a bored out six cylinder engine and ran on Truffault-Hartford shock absorbers.[44] It was shorter, 116 inch wheelbase, and lighter than the stock six cylinder cars. Testing began in August 1908.[45]

7 seater touring car which sold for $3,250 in 1908.[33] The $5,000 Landaulet's and Limousine's were possibly versions on this car.[43]

45-50 hp for $3,250[43] During the year a new 30 hp runabout with a shaft drive was developed along the lines of the 1906 racing car. It was anticipated that it would retail for $2,000.[46] The 1907 advertisements priced it at $3,250, while in mid 1908 it was priced at $1,800.[33] The price rose to $2,500 by the end of 1908.[47]

A 5 or 7 passenger Touring Car equipped with a six-cylinder engine and priced at $4500.00.[36] Probably introduced in 1907.[21] In 1908 it was priced at $4,000.[33]

A roadster or tourabout equipped with a six-cylinder 45 hp engine and priced at $4500.00.[36] Probably introduced in early 1908. It had a stated top speed of 76 mph.[48] There were three models A, B and C.[42]

A car of this type participated in the New York to Boston endurance run on 11 March 1909.[49] It was a 6-cylinder and made as either a 5 or 7 seater selling for $6,000 in 1908.[47]

Two models of four cylinder touring car, A and B.[42] A 5 and 7 seater that sold for $3,500.[47]

A runabout priced at $3750 equipped with a four-cylinder engine.[36] It had 5 or 7 seats.[47]

A tourabout.[42]

The Special was equipped with a six-cylinder 50 horsepower engine and priced at $4,750.

All Acme automobiles came with a year's "absolute binding guarantee."[50]