Acme (automobile)

{{short description|Defunct American motor vehicle manufacturer}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2013}}

{{Infobox company

|name = Acme Motor Car Company

|logo = Acme-auto 1906 logo.jpg

|logo_size = 200px

|genre = Touring cars

|fate = Sold to SGV (1911)

|predecessor = Reber Manufacturing Company

|successor = SGV Company

|foundation = 1903

|defunct = 1911

|location = Reading, Pennsylvania

|industry = Automobile

|key_people = James C. Reber (founder)
Herbert M.Sternbergh
Robert E.Graham
Fred Van Tine

|products = automobiles
bicycles

|num_employees =

|parent =

|subsid =

}}

The Acme was a make of American automobiles made in Reading, Pennsylvania from 1903 to 1911. They were the successor of the Reber which was made from 1902 to 1903 by Reber Manufacturing.

Etymology

Acme (ακμή; English transliteration: akmē) is Ancient Greek for "(highest) point, edge; peak of anything", being used in English with the meaning of "prime" or "the best", initially when referring to a period in someone's life[https://www.etymonline.com/word/acme acme] at etymonline.com. Accessed 19 Nov. 2022. and then extending to anything or anyone who reaches perfection in a certain regard.[https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acme acme] at Merriam-Webster online. Accessed 19 Nov. 2022.

History

In June 1903 James C. Reber acquired the old Acme Machine Company's bicycle factory on the corner of Eighth and Elm Streets, Reading for US$47,000 at a receivership auction of the American Bicycle Company. Reber owned Reber Manufacturing, an automobile manufacturer, and stated that he was going to use the factory to manufacture automobiles.{{cite news|title=A quick sale|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/46302393/?terms=%22james%2Bc%2Breber%22|newspaper=Reading Times|date=June 11, 1903|page=3|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 11, 2015}} {{Open access}} With the purchase of this site Reber also announced that Reber Manufacturing was changing its name to the Acme Motor Car Company. The company's directors were James C Reber, George D Horst, Jacob Nolde, and John D Horts.{{cite news|title=Acme Motor Car Company|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/46302599/?terms=%22james%2Bc%2Breber%22|newspaper=Reading Times|date=June 12, 1903|page=5|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 11, 2015}} {{Open access}} The company had $200,000 capital.{{cite news|title=Charter Granted Central Penna. Traction Company|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/89217657/?terms=%22james%2Bc%2Breber%22|newspaper=Harrisburg Daily Independent|date=July 9, 1903|page=2|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 11, 2015}} {{Open access}} Leon Schermerhorn was hired as Sales Manager.Automobile notes, Williamsport Sun-Gazette (Williamsport, Pennsylvania), 29 Jul 1903, Wed, Page 6 (Newspapers.com)

Initial output in 1903 was four to six cars per week with the intention of reaching a production of 500 cars per annum.Business Notes, More New Ventrues, Reading Times (Reading, Pennsylvania), 23 Jul 1903, Thu, Page 2 (Newspapers.com) By 1905 they were producing between two or three automobiles daily.Deal in auto works, Reading Times (Reading, Pennsylvania), 06 Jun 1905, Tue, Page 3(Newspapers.com)

Acme exhibited its cars at the Chicago and New York Automobile Shows from 1904 to 1907.{{cite news|title=Space at auto show|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/28619219/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=November 27, 1904|page=3|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Booked for Auto show|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/28627952/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=December 24, 1905|page=2|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}} The company was one of the founding members of the American Motor Car Manufacturers Association.{{cite news|title=Independent Auto Men|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/40091087/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=The Indianapolis News|date=March 6, 1905|page=3|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}}

=Frank Devlin=

In November 1905 the company was taken over by Frank A Devlin of Devlin and Co, Chicago. Devlin owned Carson, Pirie, Scott, and Co one of America's largest jobbing houses. The purchase price was rumored to have been $250,000. The new owners intended to specialize in tourist cars (a touring car, limousine, and landaulette) and delivery wagons.{{cite news|title=Motor car works sold|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/46294445/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Reading Times|date=November 5, 1905|page=3|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Gossip of the motor experts|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/35011529/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=The Inter Ocean|date=November 5, 1905|page=3|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}}

In October 1908 Devlin was killed in an automobile accident.{{cite news|title=State news in brief|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/13988125/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Lebanon Daily News|date=October 22, 1908|page=4|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}}

=James C Reber=

James C Reber went to work for the Keystone Wagon Works in February 1907 as General Manager on a 10-year contract, but they went into receivership in November sparking a lawsuit from Reber which he won.{{cite news|title=Suit for $11,017 in wages|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/44706685/?terms=%22james%2Bc%2Breber%22|newspaper=Reading Times|date=June 18, 1908|page=2|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 11, 2015}} {{Open access}} Reber went into poultry farming from that period until 1911, when he began a wholesale tobacco business.{{cite news|title=In tobacco business|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/10006173/?terms=%22james%2Bc%2Breber%22|newspaper=Lebanon Daily News|date=November 11, 1911|page=7|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 11, 2015}} {{Open access}} Reber died after a period of illness in 1933 aged 65.{{cite news|title=James C Reber|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/47602200/?terms=%22james%2Bc%2Breber%22|newspaper=Reading Times|date=December 19, 1933|page=19|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 11, 2015}} {{Open access}}

Demise

=Receivership (1906)=

The firm went into receivership in July 1906 with Daniell J Driscoll appointed receiver by the Court. The plant was kept in operation by the receiver to ensure a reasonable return to its debtors.{{cite news|title=Receiver appointed for Acme Motor Car Company|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/46526501/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Reading Times|date=July 17, 1906|page=3|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}} The business was sold in February 1907 by the receiver to Herbert M Sternbergh for $65,881.12. Sternbergh held interests in the Duryea Power Company.{{cite news|title=Sale is approved|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/45569085/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Reading Times|date=February 14, 1907|page=8|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}} The registered capital was reduced to $5,000.{{cite news|title=Hoerner's Corner granted charter|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/39198250/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Harrisburg Telegraph|date=March 25, 1907|page=1|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}}

=Herbert Sternbergh era=

Acme introduced its first 6-cylinder car, a touring car called the Sextuplet, at the New York motor show in September 1907.{{cite news|title=Graceful lines in auto building|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/20499850/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 29, 1907|page=9|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}} Acme also increased its involvement in motor racing through 1908. In 1909 it introduced a 10-year guarantee on its 6-cylinder models.

In May 1909 an ocean to ocean endurance race, from New York to Seattle was proposed. Sternbergh strongly supported the idea, especially as it would draw attention to the poor condition of transcontinental roading. He hoped it would lead to significant improvements.{{cite news|title=Among the automobilists|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/78184075/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=The Sun (New York)|date=May 16, 1909|page=13|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 16, 2015}} {{Open access}}

=James Hervey Sternbergh=

Acme sold its site and plant to J H Sternbergh for $72,100 in May 1911.{{cite news|title=Motor Car Company sold|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/44581070/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Reading Times|date=May 13, 1911|page=13|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 16, 2015}} {{Open access}} Sternbergh in turn sold the Acme Motor Car Company and leased the plant to a New York consortium. The company's name was changed to SGV.{{cite news|title=Acme auto plant leased|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/69973759/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Allentown Leader|date=May 20, 1911|page=6|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 16, 2015}} {{Open access}} Sternbergh died in March 1913.{{cite news|title=Sternbergh will in full|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/14437528/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Lebanon Daily News|date=March 11, 1913|page=9|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 16, 2015}} {{Open access}}

Production

When the company commenced production at the Elm Street plant it initially planned to make 4 to 6 vehicles per week, with the aim of increasing output to 500 machines per annum.{{cite news|title=More new ventures|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/46309990/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Reading Times|date=July 23, 1903|page=2|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}} Leon Schermerhorn was appointed sales manager.{{cite news|title=Automobile notes|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/36669124/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Daily Gazette and Bulletin|location=Williamsport, Pennsylvania|date=July 29, 1903|page=6|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}} By 1905 the company was employing 170 men. The plant in Elm Street was sold to F A Devlin of Chicago in June.{{cite news|title=Deal in auto works|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/46426115/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Reading Times|date=June 6, 1905|page=3|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}}

In 1907 the company began to test vanadium steel alloy for use in its car parts.{{cite news|title=Acme to make test of vanadium steel|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/78305550/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Oregon Daily Journal|date=September 1, 1907|page=17|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}} They were also using sprags, a bar inserted between the spokes of the wheels as an additional safety mechanism to hold the car in position if it was parked on a slope.{{cite news|title=The use of a sprag|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/39194607/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Harrisburg Telegraph|date=September 7, 1907|page=1|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}}

By September 1907 Acme is thought to have made 520 cars since production began at its Elm Street plant.{{cite news|title=New Atlas models completed for show|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/86607687/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Pittsburgh Sunday Post|date=September 29, 1907|page=21|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}} From April 1908 Krupp nickel-steel was used in construction of its transmissions.{{cite news|title=Buys Grand Prix car|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/20430872/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 19, 1908|page=35|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}} At that time they also used Eisemann high tension magnetos, Exide batteries, Prestolite gas tanks, and Neverout lamps.{{cite news|title=Acme advertisement|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/44704830/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Reading Times|date=May 12, 1908|page=5|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}}

The company's output was quite low with only between 125-150 cars planned in 1909.{{cite news|title=Auto notes|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/44555858/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Reading Times|date=February 27, 1909|page=4|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 16, 2015}} {{Open access}}

Acme Models

Types I, II, III are possibly Reber's.

=Type IV Model A=

Marketed as the Reber, the 1903 Acme was a tonneau powered by a 12 hp vertical-twin engine fitted to a three speed transmission and double chain drive. It was advertised as costing $1,800. The car weighed 1,650 pounds. Its wheelbase was 78 inches and its width was 54 inches.[http://www.american-automobiles.com/Reber.html The Reber Automobile & The Reber Mfg Co], retrieved 11 June 2015

=Type V - Touring Car (1904)=

A 16 hp car that was advertised for sale at $1,650.[http://www.american-automobiles.com/Acme-1.html The Acme Automobile & The Acme Motor Car Co], retrieved 11 June 2015

=Type VI (1905)=

This model sold for $2,000. It had a 16-horsepower two-cylinder engine. It had an 84-inch wheelbase on a steel chassis. This type was offered with the option of three different bodies styles; a standard touring car, a delivery body, or an enclosed opera sedan.[http://www.earlyamericanautomobiles.com/1905.htm 1905 Acme Opera Limousine], retrieved 11 June 2015

=Type VIII (1905)=

A 30 hp with top and headlights and 4 speed transmission. Priced at $2,750.

=Type IX (1905)=

This type sold for $800. It had a single-cylinder 9 horsepower engine on steel chassis with a 76-inch wheel base.[http://cargeekjournal.com/feature-articles/acme-car/ Acme Car], retrieved 14 June 2015

=Type X Runabout (1905)=

A 16 hp two seater with a three speed transmission and semi-racing body advertised at $1,000.{{cite news|title=J W Mears advertisement for Acme|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/53937119/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=The Brooklyn Daily Easgle|date=May 28, 1905|page=54|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}}

=Type XIV (1906)=

In 1906, the company was advertising a 5-passenger tonneau in a national trade magazine. Model XIV was a 4-cylinder water cooled 30 to 35-horsepower motor and was priced at US$2,750 with maximum speed of {{Convert|50|mph}}.{{cite news|title=Acme Motor Co advertisement|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/28594907/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=February 3, 1906|page=4|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}} It had a wood body on a pressed steel frame, three speed transmission, double drive chain. Its tank held 18 gallons of petrol. The car weighed 2,200 lbs. The wheel base was 102 inches, tread 56 inches. A top for the car cost an extra $150.{{cite news|title=Exhibits costing from $2,500|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/34530836/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=The Inter Ocean|date=February 4, 1906|page=47|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}}

=Type XV Touring Car (1906)=

File:Acme Type XV.png

The Type XV was priced at US$3,500 ($3,000 in 1908). It was a 7-passenger Touring Car with a 4-cylinder motor of 45 to 50 hp. Maximum speed was {{Convert|60|mph}}. It had a wooden body on a pressed steel frame. The car weighed 2,600 lbs. Its wheel base was 114 inches and tread 56 inches. The tyres were 4.5 inch Morgan and Wright on 34 inch diameter wheels. It had a 20-gallon fuel tank.

=Type XVI (1907)=

A five-passenger touring which sold for $2,800 and a roadster. Similar to the Type XVIII.Part II - Automobiles by manufacturer, American Automobiles of the Brass Era: Essential Specifications of 4,000+ Gasoline Powered Passenger Cars, 1906-1915, with a Statistical and Historical Overview, Robert D. Dluhy, McFarland, 2013, page 53, {{ISBN|1476615292}}, 9781476615295 Was priced at $3,500 in 1907.

=Type XVII=

No details. Possibly the Vanderbilt race car. The car was powered by a bored out six cylinder engine and ran on Truffault-Hartford shock absorbers.{{cite news|title=Austin draws first place in the French Grand Prix|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/53149496/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|date=June 19, 1908|page=23|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}} It was shorter, 116 inch wheelbase, and lighter than the stock six cylinder cars. Testing began in August 1908.{{cite news|title=Acme Racing Car|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/39204459/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Harrisburg Telegraph|date=August 8, 1908|page=12|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}}

=Type XVIII (1908)=

7 seater touring car which sold for $3,250 in 1908. The $5,000 Landaulet's and Limousine's were possibly versions on this car.

= Type XIX ''Midget'' Runabout (1907)=

45-50 hp for $3,250{{cite news|title=Acme Advertisement|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/28584623/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=March 7, 1907|page=8|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}} During the year a new 30 hp runabout with a shaft drive was developed along the lines of the 1906 racing car. It was anticipated that it would retail for $2,000.{{cite news|title=Acme Advertisement|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/39197114/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Harrisburg Telegraph|date=June 19, 1907|page=4|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}} The 1907 advertisements priced it at $3,250, while in mid 1908 it was priced at $1,800. The price rose to $2,500 by the end of 1908.

=Type XX The Acme ''Sextuplet'' (1908)=

A 5 or 7 passenger Touring Car equipped with a six-cylinder engine and priced at $4500.00. Probably introduced in 1907. In 1908 it was priced at $4,000.

=Type XXI The Fairmount ''Sextuplet'' (1908)=

A roadster or tourabout equipped with a six-cylinder 45 hp engine and priced at $4500.00. Probably introduced in early 1908. It had a stated top speed of 76 mph.{{cite news|title=High speed auto car|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/39192904/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Harrisburg Telegraph|date=January 24, 1908|page=11|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}} There were three models A, B and C.

=Type XXV "Vanderbilt" (1908)=

A car of this type participated in the New York to Boston endurance run on 11 March 1909.[https://www.newspapers.com/image/53932401/ Advertisement], The Brooklyn Daily Eagle, March 14, 1909, page 61 It was a 6-cylinder and made as either a 5 or 7 seater selling for $6,000 in 1908.{{cite news|title=Cordner and Flinn advertisement|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/20469322/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 18, 1908|page=49|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}}

=Type XXVI The Standard ''Quad''=

Two models of four cylinder touring car, A and B. A 5 and 7 seater that sold for $3,500.

=Type XXVII The Standard ''Quad'' (1909)=

A runabout priced at $3750 equipped with a four-cylinder engine. It had 5 or 7 seats.

=Type XXVIII=

A tourabout.

=Special ''Sextuplet'' (1910)=

The Special was equipped with a six-cylinder 50 horsepower engine and priced at $4,750.

All Acme automobiles came with a year's "absolute binding guarantee."{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LDcjAQAAMAAJ&q=brennan+motor&pg=RA1-PA87 |title=Acme |access-date=August 27, 2011|year=1905 |publisher=Modern Motor Cars, March 1906, pg.95}}

SGV (1910)

Acme acquired parts from Lancia and made cars under the SGV badge. The model was similar in style to the Lancia Beta Torpedo.{{cite news|title=Car here negotiating with leading dealers|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/80704443/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=The Washington Times|date=October 25, 1910|page=13|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}} Newspapers of the time described the SGV as lightweight and mechanically efficient. The Lancia engine was used and a four speed transmission. The steering radius was noted being small, making the car maneuverable in city traffic.{{cite news|title=SGV car one of the interesting exhibits|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/27601616//?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle|date=March 5, 1911|page=40|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}}

Motor Racing

Acme entered a car in motor races in Atlanta City on the 26 to 30 April 1906. It was described as a new model that had just been tested.{{cite news|title=New motor car tested|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/46285147/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Reading Times|date=April 24, 1906|page=5|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}} In a 1907 race at Reading the Acme car driven by Edward Lange was beaten by a Pullman driven be Robert Morton.{{cite news|title=Hundreds witness automobile races|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/44666348/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Reading Times|date=July 27, 1907|page=5|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}}

In 1908 Acme created a new 6 cylinder 45 hp runabout capable of 76 mph, the Type XXI. The company entered the car in the 360 mile long race at Savannah on 18–19 March with Malcolm Newstetter replacing Ed L'Engle as its driver.{{cite news|title=Automobile news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/44700915/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Reading Times|date=February 12, 1908|page=4|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}} It also announced that they intended to enter their cars in hill climbing and endurance races, but not races where chance plays a large part.{{cite news|title=Motor Trade Notes|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/83223811/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Brooklyn Life|date=February 22, 1908|page=23|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}} The Acme car came third in a time of 6:47:05. It was beaten by an Italian Isotta Fraschini (6:21:20) and an Apperson (6:44:37).{{cite news|title=Isotta car takes trophy|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/48225375/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=The Washington Herald|date=March 20, 1908|page=8|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}}

Acme cars competed in the Land's End Economy Run of the Long Island Automobile Club in early 1908.{{cite news|title=Automobile News|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/44701917/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Reading Times|date=March 10, 1908|page=4|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}}

Following its good placing in the Savannah race, Acme entered a car in the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup race and began negotiations with Lewis Strang for its driver.{{cite news|title=Acme for Vanderbilt race|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/53878508/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|date=May 3, 1908|page=61|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}} The car was to be specially constructed for the race with a larger bore engine than normal.{{cite news|title=Acme in new hands|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/20418272/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 10, 1908|page=32|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}} The same car was entered in the Grand Prix of the Automobile Club of America at Savannah with Leonard Zengle as its driver.{{cite news|title=Auto peace agreement begins to show itself|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/53945895/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|date=September 22, 1908|page=23|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=New driver for Acme racer|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/14368833/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Lebanon Daily News|date=November 6, 1908|page=3|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}}

A Type XIX won a hill climb at Wilkes-Barre and three events at the New York-based Jamaica speed trials in May or June 1908.{{cite news|title=Acme racer a stock car|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/20425188/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=The New York Times|date=June 14, 1908|page=31|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=An Acme performance|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/85914315/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=The Gazette Times|location=Pittsburgh|date=June 21, 1908|page=22|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}}

A private owner J H Tyson entered a Type XXI driven by professional Strang in the 1908 Brighton Beach 24 hour race.{{cite news|title=Strang will drive Acme car|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/86592573/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Pittsburgh Sunday Post|date=August 30, 1908|page=16|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}} Acme entered a Type XXV.{{cite news|title=Acme entry for Brighton|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/53945201/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=The Brooklyn Daily Eagle|date=September 20, 1908|page=21|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}} The car was to be driven by Cyrus Patchke and was also entered in the Fairmount Park 200 mile race on 10 October.{{cite news|title=Founders Week race|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/52389942/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Pittston Gazette|date=September 28, 1908|page=4|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}} A Acme Type XXI came second in the race.{{cite news|title=Auto notes|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/86412573/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=Pittsburgh Sunday Post|date=October 18, 1908|page=8|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 15, 2015}} {{Open access}}

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Unrelated companies

The following companies have the same or similar names, but are not associated with the Reading company.

  • Acme Motor Car Company of New York (incorporated 1905) - J Fe Smet Maguire, R Lewis Julian, and George H Stout (Directors){{cite news|title=New York Incorporations|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/20664306/?terms=%22Acme%2BMotor%2BCar%22|newspaper=The New York Times|date=January 17, 1905|page=12|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = June 12, 2015}} {{Open access}}
  • Acme Rocket Powered Roller Skates, Inc. Ltd. LLC. - Fairfield, NJ

See also

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References

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Further reading

  • G. Marshall Naul, "Acme", in G.N. Georgano, ed., The Complete Encyclopedia of Motorcars 1885-1968 (New York: E.P. Dutton and Co., 1974), pp. 27.
  • David Burgess Wise, The New Illustrated Encyclopedia of Automobiles.