The 1908 American Underslung Roadster was an American automobile, the brainchild of Harry Stutz and designer Harry Tone, manufactured in Indianapolis from 1905 until 1914 by American Motor Car Company. The chassis design and huge 40 inch wheels gave it a distinctive appearance and it was noticeably lower than other cars of the same era.
The chassis was hung below the axles rather than set atop them, giving the sports car appearance and handling. The underslung was one of the most significant automobiles of the century’s first decade and marketed at the upper price range with prices from $1,250 to $4,000. This example is fitted with a 491 cubic-inch, 4-cylinder engine developing 50 horsepower.
The American Underslung marketing slogan was “The Car for the Discriminating Few” and apparently there were few buyers. Although new models were introduced for 1914, the end came when the firm was put into receivership in November 1913.
Overview
- Model: American Underslung Roadster
- Year: 1908
- Manufacturer: American Motor Car Company
Historical Significance
- Innovative Design: The American Underslung was revolutionary for its time due to its unique chassis design. Unlike conventional cars of the era, which had their frames above the axles, the Underslung had its frame below the axles. This gave the car a lower center of gravity, improving handling and stability.
- Performance: The low-slung design contributed to a sporty appearance and better performance compared to many contemporaries, making it one of the early examples of a performance-oriented roadster.
Design and Specifications
- Chassis and Body: The "underslung" chassis design lowered the car's height significantly, giving it a distinctive and aggressive look. The frame was positioned below the axles, which was unconventional and innovative at the time.
- Engine: The Roadster was equipped with a large-displacement, four-cylinder engine. Specifics varied by model year and configuration, but the engine typically provided robust power for the era, contributing to the car’s impressive performance.
- Transmission: Manual transmission with typically 3 speeds, common for vehicles of this period.
- Suspension: Leaf spring suspension system was used, appropriate for early automotive engineering.
Features
- Wheels and Tires: Large-diameter wheels with relatively narrow tires were standard, fitting with the car's sporty design and improving its handling on the unpaved roads of the time.
- Interior: The interior was minimalistic, with basic instrumentation and seating, focusing more on driving experience rather than luxury.
Achievements and Legacy
- Sporting Success: The American Underslung gained a reputation for being one of the more advanced and sporty cars of its time. It was often seen as a status symbol and a testament to American engineering prowess.
- Influence: The design philosophy of the Underslung influenced later automotive design, particularly in sports cars, where a lower center of gravity became crucial for performance and handling.
- Collectibility: Today, the American Underslung Roadster is a rare and highly valued collector's item. Its innovative design and historical significance make it a prized possession among vintage car enthusiasts.
Legacy
- Automotive Innovation: The American Underslung is remembered for its groundbreaking approach to car design. Its influence can be seen in the emphasis on lower center of gravity in sports cars that followed.
- Historical Importance: As one of the standout models of the early automotive era, the 1908 American Underslung Roadster represents a key moment in the evolution of car design and engineering, bridging the gap between the earliest automobiles and more modern, performance-oriented vehicles.
Taken at the Amelia Concourse.
You may purchase a print of the 1908 American Underslung Roadster in our dElegance 2014 online gallery.