Dayton [4] (United States) - AllCarIndex

The Dayton Cyclocar Company was established in 1914 in Joliet, Illinois, by William O. Dayton, who previously manufactured the Reliable Dayton high-wheeler. The company emerged during a period of growing interest in cyclecars, which were lightweight, affordable vehicles designed for economical transportation.

The Dayton cyclecar featured a 9/13 horsepower two-cylinder Spacke engine, complemented by a hickory wood frame, friction transmission, and belt final drive. It offered flexible seating arrangements, accommodating either side-by-side or tandem configurations. This design aimed to appeal to consumers seeking a practical and cost-effective alternative to larger automobiles.

Later in 1914, Dayton shifted its focus from cyclecars by introducing a more powerful 18-horsepower four-cylinder engine. By November of the same year, the company made a significant transition by launching the Crusader, a four-cylinder light car, marking a departure from its initial cyclecar offerings. This move indicated a strategic pivot towards more conventional automobile production.