From Doug’s Desk
When we think about the automobile industry of the 1920s, names like Ford, Chevrolet, Buick, and Cadillac may come to mind. But a century ago, the automotive landscape was far more crowded, with hundreds of automobile manufacturers competing for buyers. Many produced innovative and beautifully engineered vehicles, yet their names have largely disappeared from the roads and history books.
Among those now-defunct manufacturers were Packard, Pierce-Arrow, Peerless, Franklin, Marmon, and Studebaker. Others, such as Duesenberg, Auburn, and Cord, became famous for producing some of America’s most distinctive and technologically advanced automobiles before disappearing during the difficult years of the Great Depression.
There were also countless smaller manufacturers whose lives were surprisingly brief. Companies such as Essex, Hupmobile, Moon, Jordan, and Stutz once had dealerships and loyal customers across the country. Some failed because of financial difficulties, while others were unable to compete as the industry became increasingly dominated by larger companies that could produce automobiles more efficiently and market them on a national scale.
The story of these lost automakers is an important part of automotive history. Their successes, failures, innovations, and distinctive designs helped shape the industry we know today.
At the Midwest Dream Car Collection, we enjoy preserving that history and reminding visitors that every automobile has a story—including the fascinating stories of the companies that are no longer around.
