American Underslung
American Underslung was a range of passenger cars. It was developed by the American Motors Company in Indianapolis manufactured in the Model 1905 and the 1914th The designers were Harry C. Stutz and Fred Tone .
description
The wagons have a low frame and huge wheels (40 inches ) that give them a distinctive look. The idea of the low frame was that the frame was suspended under the axles instead of - as was common at the time - built on the axles. " Underslung " is also used as a synonym for this type of construction in the literature. The point was to lower the center of gravity, make the cars look sportier and give them a sportier driving behavior. American Underslung prices ranged from $ 1,250 to $ 4,000 . Engines from Teetor-Harley with 40-50 bhp (29-37 kW ) were used. From 1905 to 1908 the car was also available with a normal chassis; then his name was American Tourist . There was also a two-door sports version called the Scout Roadster .
American Underslung's slogan was “NOT SILENT - but a sound so faint one can scarce distinguish from silence” (Eng. “Not silent - but so quiet that you can hardly tell the difference from the silent”).
Versions
The American Underslung came in different versions:
- a two-door sports version called the "Scout Roadster".
- By 1909 American introduced a four-seat Underslung which was sold as "The Traveler".
Revisions to the Underslung
In 1910, the engine output was increased to 60 bhp (44 kW) by increasing the cylinder diameter, and the engine was also provided with pressure lubrication. In 1913 an electric starter and electric lighting were introduced.
literature
- Harald H. Linz, Halwart Schrader : The International Automobile Encyclopedia . United Soft Media Verlag, Munich 2008, ISBN 978-3-8032-9876-8 , chapter American Underslung.
