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Midland Motor Company

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Midland Motor Company
IndustryAutomobile manufacturer
PredecessorDeere-Clarke Motor Car Co.
Founded1908; 116 years ago (1908)
FounderCharles H. Pope, President
Defunct1913; 111 years ago (1913)
FateBankrupt
HeadquartersMoline, Illinois,
ProductsAutomobiles
Production output
2,954 (1909-1913)
1911 Midland Model L2

Midland Motor Company was an American brass era automobile manufacturer in Moline, Illinois from 1908 to 1913.[1][2]

History

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Midland Motor Company formed from the remnants of the Deere-Clark Motor Car Company after the John Deere company pulled out of the venture.[1]

In 1910, Midland produced two models. The Model L was a touring car with a 318in3 (5213cc) (412×5-inch, 114×127 mm) four-cylinder engine of 40 hp (30 kW) built by Milwaukee. It had a wheelbase of 115 in (2921 mm), 34×4-inch (86×10-cm) spoke wheels, and the choice of partial tonneau or roadster with trunk. In 1911 this was mid-priced at $2,100 (equivalent to $68,670 in 2023).[2]

The Model K was a touring car with a 390in3 (6389cc) (434×512-inch, 120×140 mm) four of 50 hp (37 kW). It had a wheelbase of 118 in (2997 mm), 36×4-inch (91×10-cm) spoke wheels, and the choice of touring or demi-tonneau bodies. In 1911 this was higher mid-priced at $2,250[2]

Midland had progressive engineering, with an in-unit engine and transmission. The drive-line from the engine to the differential was enclosed. A six-cylinder car was introduced in 1912.[1]

In 1911 Charles Pope retired and died the next year. The company entered bankruptcy in 1913 due to mismanagement.[1]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d Kimes, Beverly Rae; Clark Jr., Henry Austin (1996). Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1942 (3rd ed.). Krause Publications. ISBN 978-0-87341-428-9.
  2. ^ a b c Clymer, Floyd. Treasury of Early American Automobiles, 1877-1925 (New York: Bonanza Books, 1950), p.93.