A stunning Brass-Era runabout that is ready for show or touring. Restored by early car experts and presented in exquisite condition.
Stoddard-Dayton predates the turn of the 20th century as a manufacturer of agricultural equipment and tools, though it wasn’t until 1904 when Charles Stoddard, who had become seriously interesting in motor cars since he first saw them on American roads that he announced his company would be making a motor car of their own. Going in with both feet, so to speak, the agricultural side of the business was sold off and the company reincorporated as Dayton Motor Car Company in December of 1904. Their first offering was designed by Englishman H.S. Edwards and powered by a 26 horsepower four-cylinder engine supplied by Rutenber. Over the course of the next several years, Stoddard-Dayton automobiles grew in size, price and production output. By 1908, four models were offered that ranged from an 18 horsepower four-cylinder to a big 50/60hp touring car that cost a rather significant $4,500. The firm continued with moderate sales success, sticking with an ethos of quality over quantity, holding fast to their values in the face of growing pressure from the likes of Ford and other mass-produced motorcars. 1912 was the most successful year for the company, with 26,000 examples built over a wide variety of models. But late 1912, Stoddard-Dayton faltered following an over-commitment to produce even more cars, sending the company into a financial tailspin. Stoddard-Dayton joined U.S. Motors in hopes of steadying itself, however the conglomerate failed shortly afterward and Stoddard-Dayton folded for good, its assets going to Maxwell and eventually General Motors. Thankfully, the Stoddard-Dayton legacy lives on thanks to the exceptional quality and care that was put in to building every one of their motor cars.
