Alco (United States) - AllCarIndex

The American Locomotive Company (ALCO), based in Providence, Rhode Island, was primarily known for its production of steam locomotives in the United States. In June 1905, under the leadership of company president Albert S. Pitkin, ALCO announced plans to manufacture the French Berliet automobile in one of its rolling stock factories. By 1909, the automobile line was rebranded as Alco, continuing to produce three models originally designed by Berliet: a 22-horsepower, a 40-horsepower, and a larger 60-horsepower six-cylinder model.

The 60-horsepower model featured a displacement of 9,488 cc and was built on a 134-inch (3,401 mm) wheelbase, with a price tag of $6,000 for the tourer variant. In 1910, the 22-horsepower model was discontinued, and the remaining models were offered with a wider range of coachwork options, including landaulettes and limousines, which were priced at $6,750 and increased to $7,250 by 1911. ALCO was known for its meticulous craftsmanship, claiming that the rear axle alone took six months to build, and that a complete car required no less than 19 months to assemble. The bodies of the cars were distinctive, featuring a white stripe around the top of the doors.

In 1913, ALCO sought to expand its offerings by commissioning the Crane Motor Car Company to design a smaller, more affordable vehicle equipped with a 6,178 cc six-cylinder engine, aimed at a price point of approximately $3,400. However, only three prototypes were produced before the company decided to exit the automobile market due to financial losses, reporting a loss of $460 on each car sold. Despite the end of its car division, ALCO continued to be a significant player in the locomotive industry for many years thereafter.