Best [1] (United States) - AllCarIndex

Best Manufacturing Company was established in 1898 in San Leandro, California, and became one of the prominent manufacturers of steam traction engines. These engines were widely utilized in agriculture and the logging industry in the Northwestern United States.

In 1898, Daniel Best constructed a large touring car designed to accommodate eight passengers. This vehicle was powered by a two-cylinder engine, producing 12 horsepower, and featured a friction clutch and chain drive. The car achieved a top speed of 20 mph (32 km/h), which decreased to 18 mph (29 km/h) when fully loaded with passengers. Although Best intended to manufacture this large touring car, production did not commence. Additionally, a smaller two-seater runabout was completed in 1899, but it also did not enter production.

The Best factory was sold to the Holt Tractor Company in 1914, and it later became part of Caterpillar, which continued to utilize the facility until 1982.