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The American was an American automobile manufactured in Plainfield, New Jersey, from 1917 to 1924. The company also used the names American Balanced Six or American Six, with "Balanced" referring to its chassis, not the engine.

Production and Assembly

The American automobile was an assembled car, one of many built during its time. It utilized components from several manufacturers, including:

• Borg & Beck for the clutch
• Warner for the transmission
• Stromberg for the carburetor
• Rutenber for the engines initially, and later Herschell-Spillman for the more powerful six-cylinder engine introduced in 1920.

Engine and Performance

The company's peak production year was 1920, during which they built 1400 vehicles. In this year, the original 45 hp Rutenber six-cylinder engine was replaced by a more powerful 58 hp Herschell-Spillman six-cylinder engine. This upgrade significantly enhanced the performance of the American automobile.

Marketing and Reputation

The American automobile was commonly advertised as the 'Smile Car' because the company believed their vehicles offered trouble-free miles for their owners. This marketing strategy emphasized the reliability and comfort of the American cars.

Corporate Changes and Production End

In 1923, the company became associated with the Bessemer Motor Truck Corporation. Later that October, the company merged to form Amalgamated Motors Corporation, incorporating Northway and Winther as well. However, by the spring of 1924, the production of American cars had ceased. Over its production run, the company manufactured approximately 6000 cars.

Notable Personnel

For a brief period, the famed racing driver and future automobile designer Louis Chevrolet worked as a vice-president and the head of American's engineering department. His involvement added significant expertise and credibility to the company's engineering efforts.

Legacy

Despite its relatively short production run and limited output, the American automobile left a mark on the automotive industry of the early 20th century. Its emphasis on reliability and the use of advanced components for its time contributed to its reputation as a solid and dependable vehicle.