Gearless [1] (United States) - AllCarIndex

Gearless was an American automobile manufacturer that operated from 1907 to 1909, based in Rochester, New York. The company initially began as the Gearless Transmission Company in 1907, before rebranding to Gearless Motor Car Company in 1908. It specialized in producing vehicles that featured friction transmission systems, which were relatively common in cyclecars of the era, but Gearless distinguished itself by integrating these systems with larger engines.

In its inaugural year, Gearless offered a range of four-cylinder engines with outputs of 50, 60, and 75 horsepower. The vehicles were available in touring body styles that could accommodate five to seven passengers. Notably, in 1908, the company introduced the 75-horsepower Great Six, which was available in both touring and roadster configurations. The roadster variant, known as the Greyhound, featured an unusually long bonnet that housed both the engine and the gearbox, reflecting the design trends of the time. The pricing for these models reached as high as $3,000.

In March 1908, the company underwent reorganization and shifted its focus towards producing smaller and more affordable vehicles. The new models were equipped with 32 to 35 horsepower four-cylinder engines and were offered in two series. One series retained the friction transmission, while the other, named the Olympic, utilized conventional gearboxes. The Olympic series was priced at $1,650, which was $150 more than the friction drive models, indicating a strategic move to appeal to a broader market segment. Despite its innovative approaches, Gearless ceased operations in 1909.