ABC [1] (United States) - AllCarIndex

The A.B.C. Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Company, originally known as the Autobuggy Manufacturing Company, was established in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1905. The company operated under this name until 1908, when it rebranded to A.B.C. Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Company. The name "A.B.C." is derived from the initials of its founder, Amedee B. Cole.

The early vehicles produced by the company were referred to as "Autobuggies," which should not be confused with the similarly named AUTO-BUGGY, another high-wheeler manufactured in St. Louis during the same period. The A.B.C. vehicles were characterized by their high-wheel buggy design, featuring a 10/12 horsepower two-cylinder engine and a friction transmission system utilizing a cone and two bevel wheels. This design allowed for a maximum reverse speed of 30 mph (48 km/h), although such a feature was rarely utilized. The final drive was achieved through a single chain.

In 1908, the company increased engine power to 16/18 horsepower and significantly extended the wheelbase from 72 inches (1827 mm) to 90 inches (2284 mm). The 1909 model year introduced a complex range of offerings, including ten different two-cylinder models with options for air or water cooling, as well as pneumatic and solid tires. Additionally, a more powerful 30/35 horsepower four-cylinder model was introduced, featuring a wheelbase of 112 inches (2843 mm). However, the company faced financial difficulties and ultimately went bankrupt in 1910.