Gauk Motors

The Ross was a Brass era gasoline automobile manufactured in Detroit, Michigan from 1915 to 1918.

It had a Herschell-Spillman V-8 engine with body styles including sedans and town cars. The vehicles are now considered antiques.

Louis Ross

Company founder Louis S. Ross (1877–1927) gained national fame in the early 1900s for racing a Stanley Steamer-powered "Wogglebug" race car at Ormond-Daytona Beach. He was one of the first American drivers to complete a mile course in under one minute. In 1906, he gave up racing to turn his attention full-time to automobile manufacturing.

Ross's "Wogglebug" was powered by two steam engines, each independently powering a rear wheel with separate speed controls. Despite its challenging handling, the "Wogglebug" won the one-mile championship of the world and the Dewar Trophy at Daytona Beach, competing against a 90 hp Mercedes and a 90 hp Napier.

Ross Steamer

The company produced a 25 hp two-cylinder, shaft-driven steam-powered model that was the first to have the boiler, engine, and tanks all up front under the hood. This five-passenger touring car weighed 2800 pounds and cost $2800.

Ross Gasoline-Powered Models

From 1915 to 1918, the Ross company, now based in Detroit, Michigan, produced gasoline-powered automobiles. These vehicles were equipped with a Herschell-Spillman V-8 engine and were available in various body styles, including sedans and town cars. The vehicles from this period are now considered antiques.

Specifications of Gasoline-Powered Models

Engine: Herschell-Spillman V-8
Body Styles: Sedans, town cars
Production Years: 1915-1918
Location: Detroit, Michigan

Legacy and Later Ventures

After closing his steam car business in 1911, Ross focused on the manufacture of torpedo signals used by railroads. Tragically, on June 10, 1927, he was killed in an explosion while testing a new torpedo of his own design.