Nestled within the Hadley Mill Museum, visitors this summer are treated to a glimpse of automotive history with the 1910 Cartercar, graciously on loan from the Stahls Automotive Collection in New Baltimore. Scheduled for public viewing on July 4th, August 10th, and September 13th, this vintage red Cartercar stands as a testament to early 20th-century automotive ingenuity.
The Cartercar, renowned for its pioneering gearless transmission, was first produced by the Motorcar Company of Detroit in 1905, founded by Byron J. Carter after a disagreement led him to part ways with the Jackson Automobile Company. By 1907, the company was rebranded as the Cartercar Company and relocated to Pontiac, merging with the Pontiac Spring and Wagon Works.
One of the Cartercar's revolutionary features was its friction-drive transmission, heralded as a precursor to today's continuously variable transmissions. This innovative design offered an infinite number of engine speeds and boasted affordability, with paper fiber rims in the friction-drive system costing just $5 to replace, a fraction of traditional transmission maintenance costs.
Sales of the Cartercar surged in its early years, doubling from 101 cars in 1906 to 264 in 1907, and reaching 325 units by 1908. The acquisition by General Motors in October 1909 under William Durant's leadership marked a significant milestone, yet challenges persisted. Despite initial optimism, Durant's subsequent loss of control over GM in 1910 led to the Cartercar's phased discontinuation by 1915, as production shifted towards the Oakland brand at its Pontiac facility.
Today, the Hadley Mill Museum provides a captivating backdrop for enthusiasts and history buffs alike to appreciate the Cartercar's legacy. Its presence not only commemorates Byron J. Carter's innovative spirit but also reflects Michigan's pivotal role in early automotive manufacturing during the industrial boom of the early 20th century.
Critically acclaimed in its time for its engineering prowess and economic feasibility, the Cartercar continues to inspire automotive historians and collectors globally. The exhibit at Hadley Mill Museum serves as a reminder of the evolution of automotive technology and the enduring impact of early innovators like Byron J. Carter on the industry.
While the Cartercar's journey under General Motors was relatively brief, its influence resonates in the annals of automotive history, embodying an era when experimentation and innovation defined Michigan's burgeoning automobile sector. Its narrative underscores the challenges faced by early automotive pioneers and the enduring fascination with vehicles that shaped modern transportation.
