Clapp (United States) - AllCarIndex

Clapp was an early American automobile manufacturer that operated briefly from 1898 to 1900. The company was founded by Henry Clapp, who had previously gained automotive experience working with the Duryea brothers on their early vehicles. Clapp initially established his operations in New Haven, Connecticut, where he constructed a four-seater automobile powered by a 6-horsepower, 2-cylinder engine mounted on a buggy frame.

Despite his ambitions to manufacture automobiles on a larger scale, Clapp faced significant challenges. He aimed to utilize the facilities of the New Haven Chair Company, which he believed could be adapted for automobile production. However, the factory proved unsuitable for his needs, and his plans did not materialize as intended. Subsequently, Clapp relocated to Jersey City, New Jersey, where he continued to pursue his automotive ambitions, but ultimately, these efforts also failed to come to fruition.

The Clapp Motor Vehicle Company represents a small chapter in the history of early American automotive manufacturing, reflecting the challenges faced by many pioneers in the industry during that era.