The Big Car Database

Crow Elkhart Aka Black Crow

The Crow-Elkhart was an American automobile manufactured from 1909 until 1924 by the Crow-Elkhart Motor Company of Elkhart, Indiana, founded by Martin E. Crow. 

The company manufactured both four and six cylinder models. After World War I, Crow-Elkhart used Gray victory engines in some of its cars.

In 1922, the company went into receivership, and on June 22, 1923, the company's assets were sold for $78,000.

Crow-Elkhart Motor Car Co.
Elkhart, IN
1909-1924

The founders of this early American Automobile manufacturer were Dr. L.C. Crow and his son Martin Crow. The Crow-Elkhart automobile was produced in Elkhart, Indiana from 1909 to 1924. The Crow-Elkhart's were some of the first self starters.

The first automobile produced was a 5 passenger touring car. As you can see in the magazine ad below this car sold for $935.00 in 1918.

Crow-Elkhart's motor cars were powered by Rutenber, Lycoming, Herschell-Spillman, Gray and Atlas proprietary engines. The first being a 30 horsepower Herschell-Spillman. 1918 engine specifications include a 4 cylinder with a Zenith carburetor, Connecticut ignition and Dyneto self starting motor and lighting.

Models

In addition to the touring car, Crow Elkhart produced a 3 passenger convertible coupe, 5 passenger sedan. Deluxe models included a 5 passenger touring and a small 4 passenger deluxe clover leaf body. See all the 1918 Crow-Elkhart models below.

Year Engine HP Wheelbase
1911 4-cylinder 25, 29, 32, 35, 38, 40 109–120 in (2,769–3,048 mm)
Four(1912) 4-cylinder 20 110 in (2,794 mm) [3]
1912 4-cylinder 26,27,28 114–18 in (2,896–457 mm)
1913 4-cylinder or 6-Cylinder 33-60 114–137 in (2,896–3,480 mm)
Four(1914-1915) 4-cylinder 26 114 in (2,896 mm)
Four(1914-1915) 4-cylinder 29 120 in (3,048 mm)
Six(1914-1915) 6-cylinder 34 130 in (3,302 mm)
Model 30(1916) 4-cylinder 20 112 in (2,845 mm)
Four(1917) 4-cylinder 20 114 in (2,896 mm)
Model C-E-36(1918-1919) 4-cylinder 20 115 in (2,921 mm)
Model L(1920-1923) 4-cylinder 34.9 117 in (2,972 mm)
Model H(1920) 6-cylinder 57 117 in (2,972 mm)
Model S(1921-1923) 6-cylinder 57 117 in (2,972 mm)
Model C-65(1922-1923) 4-cylinder N/A N/A
Model CS-65(1922-1963) 6-cylinder N/A N/A

Black Crow

From 1909 to 1911, the Black Motor Company of Chicago, Illinois, sold a rebadged Crow-Elkhart automobile as the "Black Crow".