Eclipse [1] (United States) - AllCarIndex

The Eclipse Automobile Company was established in Easton, Massachusetts, and operated from 1900 to 1903. The company produced steam-powered automobiles that were representative of early automotive technology. The Eclipse vehicles featured a short wheelbase, wire wheels, and a tiller steering mechanism, which were common characteristics of steam cars from that era.

One notable aspect of the Eclipse was its use of a three-cylinder engine, a departure from the more typical two-cylinder engines found in most steam vehicles of the time. Additionally, the Eclipse employed a shaft drive system instead of the conventional single-chain drive, which was an innovative feature for its class.

Despite its advancements, the Eclipse did not achieve significant commercial success. A model was tested by the local post office, but this trial did not lead to an order for a fleet of delivery vans. The Eclipse represented the first automotive design by Everett S. Cameron, who later went on to create the Taunton and subsequently the more recognized Cameron brand.