California [2] (United States) - AllCarIndex

The California Automobile Company was established in San Francisco, California, during the early 1900s, specifically between 1900 and 1902. The company was notable for its diverse offerings, which included steam, petrol, and electric vehicles. The pricing of these vehicles ranged from $500 to $3,000, which was considered significantly lower than that of comparable cars produced on the East Coast.

The exact production numbers of vehicles manufactured by the California Automobile Company remain uncertain. A published photograph from 1902 depicted a runabout that closely resembled a model from Henriod, leading to speculation that California may have acquired a license to produce Henriod vehicles. However, it is also possible that the company used the photograph merely to illustrate the style of car they intended to manufacture.

In 1902, the company underwent a reorganization, shifting its focus exclusively to steam-powered vehicles, which were branded as Calimobiles. The lineup included a $900 runabout and a $1,600 tourer, as well as a nine-seater stagecoach, of which at least three units were produced. Despite these efforts, the California Automobile Company ceased operations by 1903, marking the end of its brief existence in the automotive industry.