Curtis [3] (United States)

The Curtis Motor Car Company was established in Little Rock, Arkansas, during the early 1920s, driven by the vision of former Little Rock Mayor Charles E. Taylor. Taylor believed that a quality automobile could be manufactured in the South, thereby reducing costs associated with shipping and taxes. Despite this ambition, the company faced significant challenges, and the production of Curtis automobiles was limited.

The company planned to produce both six-cylinder and four-cylinder cars, as well as trucks and tractors, with aspirations for export markets. However, it is unclear where the few completed Curtis vehicles were actually manufactured, as no factory was ever established in Little Rock despite initial announcements. Most of the cars produced were six-cylinder touring models equipped with a Continental 7R engine and featured disc wheels. The four-cylinder variant utilized a Herschell-Spillman Model 700 engine and was distinguished by its artillery wood wheels.

In December 1920, a notable advertisement appeared in local newspapers, promoting the sale of twenty-five Curtis automobiles as Christmas presents, priced at $1,690, with a significant discount offered. This promotion, however, hinted at the impending closure of the Curtis enterprise, as the reason for the discount was not disclosed. The total number of Curtis automobiles produced remains uncertain, with estimates ranging from 30 to as many as 60 units. Ultimately, the legacy of the Curtis Motor Car Company is marked by its brief existence and the mystery surrounding its production and assembly.