Frayer-Miller (United States) - AllCarIndex

Frayer-Miller was an American automobile manufacturer that operated from 1904 to 1909. The company was established in Columbus, Ohio, by Oscar Lear, Lee A. Frayer, and William J. Miller, who had collaborated since 1902. They aimed to produce innovative vehicles, leading to the development of an air-cooled car featuring a 24-horsepower four-cylinder engine. This engine utilized a rotary blower to circulate air through aluminum jackets surrounding the cylinders, a notable design for its time.

Initially, the company offered a tourer model, which was the only option until 1907 when they expanded their lineup to include a runabout and a limousine. In 1905, Frayer-Miller introduced a 36-horsepower six-cylinder model, which was reportedly the first six-cylinder car sold in the United States. This model remained in production until 1907, alongside a brief introduction of a 50-horsepower four-cylinder variant. However, the primary focus remained on the 24-horsepower four-cylinder model, which continued to be produced until the company ceased automobile production in 1909.

Following the end of its automobile manufacturing, Frayer-Miller shifted its focus to commercial vehicles. In 1910, the company underwent a rebranding, changing its name to Kelly, and two years later, it became known as Kelly-Springfield. This transition marked the end of the Frayer-Miller automobile era and the beginning of a new chapter in the company's history.