Craine (Australia) - AllCarIndex

Craine was an Australian automobile manufacturer established in 1908, originating from the Thomas Crain Carriage Works located in South Melbourne, Victoria. The company sought to capitalize on the growing interest in motor vehicles in the United States, particularly the high-wheeled motor buggy, by offering a product that would appeal to traditional horse-drawn carriage users.

The vehicles produced by Craine featured a Phillips water-cooled flat-twin engine, which delivered between 12 and 14 horsepower. The power was transmitted through a three-speed gearbox, with a differential and chain final drive. Notable design elements included ball bearing axles, solid rubber tires, and a braking system that disconnected the drive, enhancing safety and control.

Despite these innovations, there is no evidence that Craine successfully attracted horse-drawn carriage users to switch to motor vehicles. The company’s efforts to penetrate the market ultimately did not yield the desired results, and it did not achieve lasting prominence in the automotive industry.