Empire [2] (United States) - AllCarIndex

Empire was an American automobile manufacturer that operated from 1899 to 1902, based in Sterling, Illinois. The company initially began as the Empire Manufacturing Company, producing light steam buggies that featured a V-twin engine directly geared to the rear axle.

The design of the Empire vehicles included a rectangular boiler with horizontal tubes, which was positioned transversely across the frame beneath the seat. The cars utilized a tubular frame and were equipped with bicycle-type wire wheels. The pricing for these vehicles was set at $750, which was a competitive rate for the time.

In 1901, the Empire Manufacturing Company underwent a change in ownership and was succeeded by the Sterling Automobile & Engine Company, also located in Sterling, Illinois. The vehicles produced during the 1901-1902 period were generally referred to as Sterlings, marking the transition from the Empire brand to the new company.