Columbia (automobile brand)
| Company type | Marque |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Pope Manufacturing Company, Electric Vehicle Company |
| Founded | 1899 |
| Fate | Rebranded as Columbia Motor Car Company in 1908; acquired by United States Motor Company in 1910 |
| Successor | Columbia Motor Car Company, United States Motor Company |
| Headquarters | Hartford , United States |
| Products | Electric vehicles, Internal combustion engine vehicles |
Columbia was a U.S.-based automobile marque produced by multiple American firms, notably the Pope Manufacturing Company from Hartford, Connecticut, and the Electric Vehicle Company. Established in 1899, it was rebranded as the Columbia Motor Car Company in 1908 before being acquired by United States Motor Company in 1910. A different entity named Columbia Motors operated between 1917 and 1924.
Electric models
The 1904 Columbia Brougham came equipped with twin electric motors mounted at the rear and accommodated four passengers, retailing for . Comparable vehicles included the Columbia Hansom cabs, also priced similarly and capable of reaching speeds of . The Columbia Victoria Phaeton shared this design and was offered at .
More economical options such as the Columbia Surrey and Victoria featured dual electric motors with prices ranging from to . The most affordable model, the Columbia Runabout, cost , utilized a single electric motor powered by Exide batteries, and incorporated Concord springs.
This basic runabout bore resemblance to a horseless carriage, featuring tiller steering and weighing approximately . It had a wheelbase of and rode on wooden spoked wheels measuring , complemented by leather fenders. Its drivetrain consisted of a chain drive connected to a transmission that provided three forward gears and two reverse speeds. Twenty Exide batteries were strategically placed over both axles to maintain balance. The rear-wheel braking system included a bell that signaled when the vehicle came to a complete stop. Its maximum speed was roughly .
Beyond the runabout, Columbia manufactured about 20 additional models including taxis, police vehicles, and buses. Their electric cars gained popularity in urban environments due to their quiet operation and smooth ride, supported by convenient electrical charging within a limited range. A notable achievement occurred in 1903 when a Columbia completed a 250-mile trip from Boston to New York City in 23 hours. Marketed as an upscale brand, its New York showroom was situated directly across from the Metropolitan Opera House.
Internal combustion engine models
The Columbia Touring Car was a unique offering with seating for six in a tonneau configuration, comparable to other touring automobiles of its time. It was priced between and , powered by a front-mounted vertical straight-4 engine delivering , coupled with a four-speed sliding transmission. The vehicle weighed , utilizing an innovative "false frame" structure to support the engine.
During 1912 and 1913, Columbia broadened its lineup by introducing models equipped with Knight sleeve valve engines, enhancing its technological portfolio.
Prominent models included:
- Columbia Mark XLIII
- Columbia Mark XLIV
- Columbia Mark XLV
- Columbia Mark XLVI
- Columbia Mark XLVII
- Columbia Mark 48-4
- Columbia Mark 85
- Columbia Mark 48-5
External links
- Columbia Automobile Company page
- the actress Julia Marlowe pictured with her dog inside one of the company's electric vehicles
- Articles with short description
- Veteran vehicles
- Electric vehicles introduced in the 20th century
- Cars powered by Knight engines
- Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of the United States
- Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1899
- American companies established in 1899
- Car brands
- Highwheeler
- 1890s cars
- 1900s cars
- 1910s cars
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment
- 5