1913 American Underslung Scout Roadster
Built by the American Motor Company, the American Underslung was considered to be America’s first sports car.
The company, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, was noted for its creative designs, effective marketing, and brilliant automobiles, like this 1913 American Underslung Scout Roadster.
In 1906, inspired by frames that were unloaded upside down when delivered to American, chief engineer Fred Tone conceived the idea to mount the frame under the axles, and the “underslung” design was born.
Moving forward, American built all roadsters underslung, while continuing to make touring cars and sedans on a conventional overslung chassis.
1913 American Underslung Scout Roadster was powered by a 32 hp, 161 cu. in. four-cylinder T-head engine, and a sliding gear three-speed manual transmission with reverse.
Features also included a Warner 60mph speedometer, dog leg windshield and a disco self-starter. American also included battery operated electric tail and dash lights for further ease of use while the unique nickel headlamps were powered by a Prest-O-Lite acetylene tank.
In 1912, the American Motor Company officially adopted “American Underslung” as the car’s name. They produced more than 45,000 vehicles from 1906 through April, 1914, when operations were suspended.
If you’re interested in seeing more great classic cars of the early 1900’s, be sure to check out Horseless Carriages from the Brass Era.
