Elcar [1] / Elcar-Lever (United States) - AllCarIndex

Elcar was an American automobile manufacturer that operated from 1916 to 1931, primarily based in Elkhart, Indiana. The company was founded by brothers William B. and George B. Pratt, who had previously been involved in the production of horse-drawn vehicles at their family-owned carriage factory. The transition to motor vehicles began with the introduction of the Elcar brand, which initially featured assembled cars powered by Lycoming four-cylinder engines.

In 1918, Elcar expanded its offerings by introducing a six-cylinder model powered by a Continental engine. Throughout the 1920s, the company continued to evolve its product line, incorporating various engine types and configurations. By 1925, an eight-cylinder series was added, and the company phased out its four-cylinder models by 1927. Elcar's vehicles were known for their range of options, with models priced between $995 and $2,645, catering to different market segments.

Elcar also engaged in contract manufacturing, producing vehicles for other brands that lacked their own production facilities. Additionally, the company manufactured a complete line of taxicabs, which were sold under various badges. The peak production year for Elcar was 1924, during which the company sold 1,836 vehicles. However, by 1931, Elcar faced financial difficulties, leading to its closure after producing only 138 cars that year.

Among its notable projects was the Elcar-Lever, a model introduced at the New York Auto Show, which featured a unique design by Rev. Alvah Powell. Despite its innovative approach, the Elcar-Lever did not achieve commercial success. In total, approximately 20,000 Elcars were produced during the company's 16 years of operation, marking a brief but significant chapter in the history of American automotive manufacturing.