Gas-Au-Lec / Gasaulec (United States) - AllCarIndex

Gas-Au-Lec was an early automobile brand that operated briefly in the United States during the years 1905 and 1906. The company originated from the Vaughn Machine Company, based in Peabody, Massachusetts, before transitioning to the Corwin Machine Company in the same location. In 1906, the company president, Hamilton S. Corwin, rebranded the company under his name, renaming the vehicle to Gasaulec.

The Gas-Au-Lec was notable for its petrol-electric hybrid design, which combined a large 40/45 horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor. The gasoline engine had a displacement of over 7 liters and was primarily responsible for driving the vehicle. The electric motor served specific functions, including starting the engine, providing power for slow-speed operation, and enabling reverse movement. Unlike some other petrol-electric systems of the time, the Gas-Au-Lec's electric motor did not drive the rear wheels during normal operation; instead, the gasoline engine was directly connected to the propeller shaft and rear axle.

The vehicle featured an innovative design with electro-magnetically operated valves, eliminating the need for traditional camshafts or tappets. However, the production of the Gas-Au-Lec was extremely limited, with reports indicating that no more than four units were manufactured, and possibly only one was completed. The exact performance and reliability of the vehicle remain uncertain due to its short production run and limited availability.