E. A. Nelson Automobile Company

E. A. Nelson Automobile Company

1920 logo
Company type	Automobile manufacturer
Industry	Automotive
Founded	1917 (1917)
Founder	Emil A. Nelson
Defunct	Template:End date and age
Fate	Bankruptcy
Headquarters	Detroit, Michigan, United States., United States
Products	Automobiles
Production output	1,028 (1917-1921)

E. A. Nelson Automobile Company, initially operating under the name E. A. Nelson Motor Car Company from 1917 until 1920, was an automotive manufacturer based in Detroit that existed between 1917 and 1921.

History

The enterprise was established in 1917 by Emil A. Nelson, an engineer with previous experience at Packard, Oldsmobile, and Hupmobile. The company's inaugural vehicle, the Nelson 29 HP, showcased a European-inspired design and was powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder overhead camshaft engine delivering 29 horsepower (21.33 kW). Its chassis measured about 264 cm (104 in) in wheelbase and was available in several body styles including touring car, roadster, and sedan. By 1919, the touring variant retailed at $1,500 (equivalent to ). The following year, the Model D retained largely the same specifications.

The timing of production commencement just prior to the United States entering World War I, coupled with the subsequent post-war economic downturn, placed considerable financial strain on the company. An anticipated collaboration with Detroit-based Gray Company for engine supply in 1919 did not materialize. Confronted with monetary challenges, the firm declared bankruptcy in March 1920 but underwent reorganization by September and adopted the new name E.A. Nelson Automobile Company.

In 1921, the company unveiled the Model E featuring slight enhancements, including an upgraded engine producing 30 horsepower (22.37 kW), offered as both touring car and roadster variants.

The business succumbed to bankruptcy again in September 1921 and terminated operations permanently. Over its operational span from 1917 through 1921, total vehicle output reached 1,028 units, with only one example known to survive today.