Haynes Automobile Company

Haynes Automobile Company

Company type	Private
Industry	Automotive
Founded	1905 in Kokomo, Indiana, United States
Founder	Elwood Haynes
Defunct	1924
Fate	Bankruptcy, ceased operations by 1925
Headquarters	Kokomo , United States
Products	Automobiles

The Haynes Automobile Company, recognized as “America's First Car,” was an early U.S. automobile manufacturer operating out of Kokomo, Indiana between 1905 and 1924. Initially established as the Haynes-Apperson company from 1894 until 1905, it adopted the Haynes name after co-founders Elmer and Edgar Apperson departed in 1901 to form the Apperson Brothers Automobile Company. Founded by Elwood Haynes, the firm ultimately declared bankruptcy in 1924 and halted operations by 1925.

History

The company’s beginnings date to a prototype completed on July 4, 1894, developed during the Haynes-Apperson collaboration. To affirm his claim as the creator of the FIRST American automobile, Elwood Haynes obtained a written understanding from local rival John Lambert—who had built a gasoline runabout in 1891 but never sold one—agreeing not to dispute Haynes' priority. By dating the design start to mid-1893, Haynes positioned his vehicle ahead of competitors such as the Duryea, fueling ongoing debates over which was truly the first car.

Initial manufacturing output was modest, producing about one vehicle monthly, but increased to approximately 250 units annually after relocating operations to Riverside Machine Works. The company utilized oval-track and road racing for promotional purposes; its Model V “Vanderbilt” Racer qualified for the Vanderbilt Cup in 1905 but did not compete and placed poorly in 1906 against European entrants. After ceasing oval track racing in 1907, Haynes redirected efforts toward endurance and reliability trials, enhancing its brand image and driving production to a peak exceeding 6,000 units by 1921.

In 1909, Haynes unveiled the Series X speedster featuring a 112-inch wheelbase and a twin-spark four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 354 cubic inches, priced at $2,900 FOB. The 1912 Model 20 Bohemian speedster offered a longer wheelbase of 114 inches, reduced horsepower at 28 hp, and a more accessible price point of $1,650. Subsequently, the company focused primarily on manufacturing touring cars.

By 1914, the "Light Six" model was introduced at $1,485 and marketed as "America's greatest light six," highlighting its fuel economy of 22–25 miles per gallon alongside favorable power-to-weight characteristics. The product range expanded in 1916 to include both the "Light Twelve" and updated versions of the "Light Six" (series 36 and 37).

In its final production year prior to closure, Haynes released the 57 model with a wheelbase measuring 121 inches. This model was available in configurations including a five-seat sedan, three-seat coupelet, or two-seat roadster. Enhancements featured front and rear bumpers, six disc wheels replacing previous wire wheels, wind wings, sun visors, artistically crafted running board steps, and distinct fenders—reflecting attempts to improve market appeal amid financial difficulties.

Production models

• Haynes Model O
• Haynes Model R
• Haynes Model S
• Haynes Model T
• Haynes Model U
• Haynes Model V
• Haynes Model W
• Haynes Model X
• Haynes Model 19

The Haynes Pioneer

The Haynes Pioneer served as the official company magazine, named after Elwood Haynes’s original vehicle—the 1894 Haynes "Pioneer." It contained articles celebrating the firm's legacy and technological advancements, including features like "Ocean to Ocean in One Day" and coverage of the reacquisition of the 1897 Haynes "Horseless Carriage" in 1916.

See also

• List of defunct United States automobile manufacturers

References

• Clymer, Floyd. Treasury of Early American Automobiles, 1877-1925. New York: Bonanza Books, 1950.
• National Museum of American History: America on the Move