Ajax Motor Vehicle Company was a now-defunct American brass eraelectric car manufacturer established in New York City, which operated from 1901 until 1903. It produced the Ajax Electric car.[1] Its factory was located at 220 West 36th Street, just north of the famed Macy's Department Store in Manhattan.[1][2]
1903 Ajax Electric Runabout in print advertisement
Ajax Motor Vehicle Company was formed by New York City brothers Walter Simpson and Alfred L. Simpson, with an initial capitalization of US$10,000.[2][3] They set up manufacturing in July 1901, in a factory located on Manhattan's West 36th Street, not far from Macy's.[1]
The company produced an open two-seat lightweight runabout that rode on narrow 28 inch wire wheels with pneumatic tires and optional mudguards.[4][5] It was originally priced at US$1,100, but later reduced to $850.[1][2] The frame of the car was similar to bicycle construction, with seamless-drawn steel tubing, joined by brazing into drop-forged lugs.[2] The 24V electric motor was rated at 1+1⁄2bhp and had a chain drive to the rear axle and differential. Mechanical brakes were provided on both rear axle and motor. Steering was by a crosswise tiller to the left seat.[2]
Ajax had a display at the 1903 New York Auto Show, but closed later that year.[2] This may have been precipitated by the 1902 collapse in the US electric car market, following dubious selling of electric car stocks, and a high-profile accident to a racing Baker. No cars were sold outside New York City.[1]
The company's forearm and clenched fist logo predated the similar one used by Arm & Hammer.[1] They later used the slogan, "An Honest Automobile At An Honest Price".[2]
Today, a car in original condition could be worth in excess of $14,000.[1]
