Asheville (United States) - AllCarIndex

The Asheville Light Car Company was a short-lived automobile manufacturer based in Asheville, North Carolina, operating between 1914 and 1915. Founded by E.C. Merrill, who was originally a bicycle shop proprietor, the company specialized in the production of cyclecars, a type of lightweight automobile that was popular in the early 20th century.

The primary model produced by Asheville was powered by a 7-horsepower air-cooled Indian V-twin engine. Notably, the design featured an unusually long bonnet, which was spacious enough to accommodate a six-cylinder engine, although the company opted for the smaller engine for its cyclecar. The vehicle utilized a one-inch belt for final drive and was equipped with cantilever spring suspension, reflecting the engineering practices of the time.

Despite its innovative design, the Asheville Light Car Company ceased operations after just a year of production, leaving behind a brief but interesting chapter in the history of American automotive manufacturing.