Adams-Farwell (United States)

Adams-Farwell was an American automobile manufacturer active from 1905 to 1911, based in Dubuque, Iowa. The company was founded by brothers Herbert and Eugene Adams, who initially established The Adams Company in 1883 to produce grave markers and park benches. Their venture later expanded into milling and general foundry equipment. The transition to automobile manufacturing was inspired by their partner, Fay Oliver Farwell, who was an advocate for rotary radial engines.

The first vehicle offered for sale by Adams-Farwell was the Model 5, which was developed from Farwell's earlier experimental vehicles built between 1898 and 1904. The Model 5 featured a 20/25 horsepower three-cylinder engine mounted at the rear, with a unique design where the cylinders and crankcase revolved horizontally around a fixed shaft. Power was transmitted through bevel gears to a four-speed gearbox and then via a single chain to the rear axle. In 1906, the company introduced a more powerful 40/45 horsepower five-cylinder engine, which was capable of propelling the Gentleman’s Speed Roadster to a top speed of 75 mph (121 km/h).

Adams-Farwell vehicles were noted for their innovative features, such as a detachable control system that allowed the driver to switch between front and rear seating positions, and a steering wheel that could be adjusted for left or right-hand drive. However, production was limited, with fewer than 200 units manufactured before the Adams brothers decided to focus on their more profitable foundry and gear cutting operations. Fay Oliver Farwell remained with the company until 1921, after which he pursued other ventures, including promoting a merry-go-round he invented.