The Austin Automobile Company was established in 1902 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, by James E. Austin, a lumberman, and his son Walter Austin. The company originated from the Michigan Iron Works, which James purchased in 1900. Initially focused on machinery, the Austins shifted their attention to automobile production after developing a prototype vehicle by December 1902. This early model featured a 16-horsepower, 2-cylinder engine and was priced…