Western Tool Works (automobile company)

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Gale Model A
Manufacturer Western Tool Works
Production 1905-7
Class Entry-level car
Body style(s) roadster

Western Tool Works was a pioneering brass era automobile manufacurer in Galesburg, Illinois.

Western in 1905 produced the Gale Model A, an open roadster, for sale at US$500, which was less than high-volume Oldsmobile Runabout, at US$650[1], the Ford "Doctor's Car" at US$850,[2] or the Holsman high wheeler,[3] but above the Black, as low as $375,[4] and well above the Success' amazingly low US$250.[5]

It came standard with a 5×6-inch (127×152mm) water cooled engine (mounted beneath the tilting body),[6] chain drive, 34 in (86 cm) elliptic springs, 28×3-inch (71×7.6-cm) spoke wheels with tube tires, and repair kit.[7]

The same year, Western offered the US$650 Gale Model B. It also used the standard 5×6-inch (127×152mm) water cooled engine, chain drive, 34 in (86 cm) elliptic springs, 28×3-inch (71×7.6-cm) spoke wheels and tube tires, and repair kit.[8] It offered available leather buggy top, clincher tires, horn, and brass headlights.[9]

Also in 1907, Western offered the 26 hp (19 kW) Gale Model K-7 phaeton at US$1250.[10]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ Clymer, p.32.
  2. ^ Clymer, p.37.
  3. ^ Clymer, p.83.
  4. ^ Clymer, p.61.
  5. ^ Clymer, p.32.
  6. ^ Clymer, p.178.
  7. ^ Clymer, p.51.
  8. ^ Clymer, p.51.
  9. ^ Clymer, p.51.
  10. ^ Clymer, p.56.

[edit] Sources

  • Clymer, Floyd. Treasury of Early American Automobiles, 1877-1925 (New York: Bonanza Books, 1950).

[edit] See also