Crane (United States) - AllCarIndex

The Crane Motor Car Company operated from 1912 to 1915, primarily based in Bayonne, New Jersey, before relocating to New Brunswick, New Jersey. Founded by Henry Middlebrook Crane, a noted engineer with a background in designing trophy-winning speedboats, the company focused exclusively on automobile production after transitioning from its previous association with the Crane & Whitman Company.

During its brief existence, the Crane brand was recognized for producing some of the most expensive automobiles in the United States, with chassis prices reaching $8,000. The vehicles were characterized by their high-quality engineering and craftsmanship, featuring a six-cylinder L-head engine that developed 110 horsepower and a wheelbase of 136 inches (3452 mm). The cars were sold only in chassis form, allowing for custom coachwork by prestigious specialty manufacturers.

By late 1914, approximately 40 units of the Crane Model 3 series had been completed. The company was acquired by the Simplex Automobile Company in 1915, a strategic move aimed at leveraging Crane's expertise. Following the acquisition, Crane continued to produce vehicles in New Brunswick, introducing the Model 4. This model led to the development of the Simplex Model 5, also known as the Crane-Simplex, which saw production of up to 500 units before the company ceased operations in 1917 due to the demands of World War I.