Crow-Elkhart (United States) - AllCarIndex

Crow-Elkhart was an American automobile manufacturer that operated from 1911 to 1925, primarily based in Elkhart, Indiana. The brand originated as a continuation of the Black Crow, which was rebranded as Crow Motor Car in 1911. In 1916, the company adopted the name Crow-Elkhart Motor Car Company, reflecting its location and expanding its market presence.

The vehicles produced by Crow-Elkhart were characterized by conventional designs and were available in various sizes, featuring four-cylinder engines ranging from 20 to 40 horsepower. In 1913, the company introduced two six-cylinder models, expanding its engine offerings. While most engines were sourced from external suppliers, including Atlas, Gray, Herschell-Spillman, Lycoming, and Rutenber, the company developed an in-house overhead valve four-cylinder engine in 1918. The aesthetic of Crow-Elkhart cars was generally plain, although the 1917/18 Model 33 cloverleaf roadster stood out with its attractive design, wire wheels, and V-shaped radiator.

The manufacturing facility in Elkhart had a production capacity of 30 cars per day, although actual output never reached this level. The peak production year was 1917, during which approximately 3,800 cars were manufactured. Some vehicles were also sold under the BUSH name in Detroit. In 1919, the Crow family was removed from the business, and subsequent ownership struggled to maintain sales. By early 1922, Crow-Elkhart entered receivership, and in 1923, it was acquired by Century Motors, which focused on exporting vehicles like the Morriss-London to England.

The final year of official production for Crow-Elkhart was 1923, during which 236 cars were completed. It is believed that a few additional vehicles may have been assembled from leftover parts until 1925. The last models featured either a 3,153 cc four-cylinder Lycoming engine or a 4,078 cc six-cylinder Herschell-Spillman engine, marking the end of the brand's automotive legacy.