Crouch / Brighton (United States) - AllCarIndex

Crouch Brighton was an early American automobile manufacturer based in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, operating from 1894 to 1900. The company was founded by W. Lee Crouch, who built his first automobile in 1894. This initial vehicle was a simple two-seater runabout, notable for its wire wheels and a unique design where the springs served as side members of the frame, reminiscent of the later curved dash Oldsmobile.

In 1896, Crouch was commissioned by Dr. Carlos C. Booth to construct a car for a race from New York City to Irvington, New York. This vehicle, known as the Booth-Crouch, featured a 3-horsepower single-cylinder engine and was characterized by its artillery wheels, which gave it a more substantial appearance compared to Crouch's earlier model. However, the Booth-Crouch did not achieve success in the race, a fate shared by many competitors.

After briefly shifting focus to engine manufacturing, Crouch returned to automobile production in 1899 with the introduction of a steam car. This vehicle was powered by an 8-horsepower V-twin engine and utilized a boiler that generated superheated steam at a working pressure of 275 psi. Despite its innovative features, the company ceased operations in 1900, marking the end of its brief but notable presence in the early automotive industry.