Black [1] (United States) - AllCarIndex

Black was an American automobile manufacturer founded by Charles Black in 1893. Initially based in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company began its operations under the name C.H. Black Manufacturing Co. from 1896 to 1899. Black, who had a background as a blacksmith and wagon maker, was inspired to create his own automobile after driving a friend's Benz in 1891. He completed his first vehicle in 1895, which featured a single-cylinder engine and a horizontal flywheel, resembling the design of Benz cars.

In 1896, Black secured the necessary financing to commence production, resulting in a limited number of vehicles that closely followed Benz's design principles. One notable model from this period was the "physician's phaeton" of 1899, which was a near replica of the Benz vehicle, although all parts were manufactured in Indianapolis. In 1899, the company transitioned to the Indianapolis Automobile & Vehicle Co., which continued to produce Black's designs until 1900. After this period, Charles Black returned to full-time carriage building, while another entity, the Indiana Motor & Vehicle Co., continued to sell Black's cars under the Indiana name until 1901.