Griswold [3] (United States) - AllCarIndex

Griswold Motor Car Company was established in 1907 in Detroit, Michigan. The company was known for producing a unique type of vehicle referred to as cyclecars, which were smaller and lighter than traditional automobiles. One of the notable models produced by Griswold was the Griswold runabout, designed by J.P. La Vigne, who had previously worked on other automotive designs, including the La Petite.

The Griswold runabout featured a conventional appearance with a long bonnet and a two-seater body, complemented by a third spyder seat positioned behind the main seats. A distinctive aspect of this vehicle was its innovative engine design, which utilized a vertical 2-cylinder engine with the flywheel located at the bottom and the crankshaft oriented vertically. The company offered three engine sizes: 10 hp, 15 hp, and a more powerful 20 hp variant, which was marketed under the name Gyroscope in 1908.

Despite the innovative design and the initial enthusiasm from figures like C.H. Blomstrom, Griswold Motor Car Company produced very few vehicles during its operation. The company ultimately faced challenges that limited its production and market presence.