American Underslung

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The American Underslung was an American automobile, the brainchild of Harry Stutz and designer Fred Tone. It was manufactured in Indianapolis from 1905 to 1914. The car featured an underslung chassis and huge wheels, giving it a distinctive appearance. The intention of the underslung chasis, where the chasis hung below the axles rather than sat atop the axles, was to lower the center of gravity and improve sports car appearance and handling. Prices for the American Underslung ranged from $1250 to $4000; Teetor-Harley engines of 40 and 50hp were used. The car was also available from 1905 to 1908 with a conventional chassis; this model was called the "American Tourist". It came in another version, a two door sports version, called the Scout Roadster.

The American Underslung slogan was "NOT SILENT - but a sound so faint one can scarce distinguish from silence"

[edit] Versions

The American Underslung came in several versions:

• A two door sports version, called the "Scout Roadster".

• Around 1909, American introduced a four-passenger Underslung dubbed "The Traveler".

[edit] Updates to the Underslung

In 1910, the horsepower rating for the engine was increased to 60 by enlarging the cylinder bore and adding pressurized lubrication.

In 1913, electric starters and lights became available on the Underslungs.

[edit] Fall of the Manufacturer

See: American Motor Car Company