Western Tool Works (automobile company)

Western Tool Works was a pioneering brass era automobile manufacturer in Galesburg, Illinois. The company made Gale automobiles from 1904 to 1910.[1] Early Gale runabouts were notable for having bodywork hinged at the rear of the car that could be lifted to ease access to the engine,[1][2][3] essentially making the entire body the hood.

Gale
1906 Gale Model C
Overview
Manufacturer	Western Tool Works
Production	1905-7
Body and chassis
Class	Entry-level car
Body style	roadster

In 1905 Western produced the Gale Model A runabout for sale at US$500. This was less expensive than the high-volume Oldsmobile Runabout at US$650,[4] the 2-seat Ford Model C "Doctor's Car" at US$850,[5] or the Holsman high wheeler,[6] but more expensive than the Black at $375,[7] and the Success at US$250.[4]

The Model A came standard with a 5 in × 6 in (130 mm × 150 mm) water-cooled engine mounted beneath the tilting body,[8] chain drive, 34 in (860 mm) elliptic springs, 28 in × 3 in (71.1 cm × 7.6 cm) spoke wheels with tube tires, and repair kit.[9]

The same year, Western offered the US$650 Gale Model B. Its water-cooled engine, springs, wheels, and tires had the same dimensions as those of the Model A, and it also had chain drive and a repair kit.[9] It offered available leather buggy top, clincher tires, horn, and brass headlights.[9]

In 1907, Western offered the 26 hp (19 kW) Gale Model K-7 phaeton at US$1,250.[10] The K-7 was a five-seat touring car with a two-cylinder 5.5 in × 5.5 in (140 mm × 140 mm) engine, a wheelbase of 95 inches (2,400 mm), and 32 in × 3.5 in (81.3 cm × 8.9 cm) wheels.[11]