The Balzer Automobile Company of Bronx, New York, was founded in 1894 by Stephen M. Balzer.

History

In 1894, Balzer built his first prototype. It was less than 6' long. It had a rotary, air-cooled, 3-cylinder engine, and a 3-speed manual transmission(which had no reverse.) By 1897, he had built three cars. He also made 5-cylinder rotary engines. But his business was not very successful, and he left in 1902. He still worked as a mechanic, and in 1940 he died.

Prototype

On May 16, 1899, Balzer donated his prototype to the Smithsonian Institute. This was the first car given to the Smithsonian. It is currently in collection.