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The Piedmont Motor Car Company, originating in Lynchburg, Virginia, were known for producing the Piedmont automobile.

History

The Piedmont was produced in a variety of closed and open body styles and was powered by 4-cylinder Lycoming and 6-cylinder Continental engines. The company also made cars for other companies, such as the Alsace, Bush, and Lone Star. These were Piedmonts, but fitted with badges, hubcaps and other identification of the company who ordered the cars.

This badge engineering for other companies had a direct impact on the cars actually marketed and sold under the Piedmont name. With the outside orders taking priority, Piedmont dealers in Virginia were sometimes unable to provide a car for customers who placed an order, which gave the make a poor reputation, thus hindering further sales.

In December 1920 the company attempted to increase publicity and sales by advertising in the Lynchburg News ten Model 4-30 and ten Model 6-40 cars for sale to residents of Lynchburg, Campbell, Bedford, Amherst and Appomattox only, with prices reduced by $500 for each car. Sales manager George Hay also persuaded the Lynchburg Police Department to use Piedmont cars, as it would "look better for the company" if they did so.

Closure

In anticipation of an ever-increasing flood of orders from outside producers, Piedmont had overstocked its inventory, which led to the company going into receivership in October 1922. There was over $225,000 worth of parts alone in stock.

Surviving cars

In June 2010 the Virginia Transportation Museum received a donation of a 1923 Bush touring car, which was built by Piedmont.