Gorham (Japan) - AllCarIndex

Gorham was an automobile manufacturer based in Osaka, Japan, active from 1920 to 1922. The company was founded by American William R. Gorham, who initially traveled to Japan in 1918 to produce aircraft and engines. However, due to a lack of demand in that sector, he shifted his focus to motor vehicles.

The first vehicle produced by Gorham was an experimental truck in 1919, followed by a light three-wheeled car designed for disabled users. This vehicle was originally intended for Gorham's plant manager, Mr. Kusibicki. In 1920, the Jitsuyo Jidosha Seizo Co. was established to manufacture this three-wheeler, which was powered by an 8-horsepower, air-cooled, two-cylinder engine. The design featured chain drive to the offside rear wheel, tiller steering, and could accommodate three occupants: a driver and two passengers seated behind. A folding hood provided some weather protection, and a delivery van variant was also produced. By the end of 1921, approximately 250 units of the three-wheeler had been completed.

In 1921, Gorham introduced a four-wheeled model equipped with a 10-horsepower engine, which retained similar body options to the three-wheeler. However, this model was discontinued in 1923 in favor of the LILA. In 1926, Jitsuyo Jidosha merged with DAT, a company that would later produce the Datsun brand. Following the merger, William Gorham took on the role of technical director at the Tobata Foundry, which was associated with DAT and was known for pioneering diesel engine technology in Japan. Gorham eventually returned to Detroit in 1932.