Berkshire (United States)

Berkshire was an American automobile manufacturer based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, that operated from 1905 to 1912. The company underwent several name changes during its brief existence, starting as the Berkshire Motor Company in 1905, then becoming the Berkshire Automobile Company in 1907, followed by the Berkshire Motor Car Company in 1908, and finally the Berkshire Auto-Car Company in 1909. In 1912, the Belcher Engineering Company acquired a stock of Berkshire parts but only managed to assemble a limited number of vehicles.

The name "Berkshire" was derived from the nearby Berkshire Hills, where the cars were tested. The company utilized various sizes of Herschell-Spillman engines, initially offering an 18-horsepower engine in 1905, followed by 20, 30, and 50-horsepower four-cylinder engines, and a 50-horsepower six-cylinder engine in 1906. Eventually, they standardized on a 35-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Early models featured a patented transmission designed to prevent gear stripping; however, this innovation did not achieve commercial success.

Berkshire faced numerous financial difficulties throughout its operation, which was reflected in the frequent changes of its company name. The total production of Berkshire vehicles amounted to approximately 150 cars and one truck. The Stilson car, which shared the Berkshire factory and at least one director, was also associated with the brand. It is speculated that the six-cylinder Berkshire assembled by Belcher in 1912 may have incorporated Stilson parts, although the Stilson brand was last listed in 1909.