Kline Kar
Encyclopedia
The Kline Kar was an American automobile
built first in York, Pennsylvania
(1910-1912), and then in Richmond, Virginia
(1912-1923). Sometimes the car was just referred to as a Kline.
James A. Kline moved to York to work on a car that at the time was known as the York, but would soon become the Pullman
. After leaving that company, he partnered with another former employee, Samuel E. Baily, and also with Joseph C. Carrell to form B.C.K. Motor Company. This new firm produced the Kline Kar starting in 1910, in the building owned by Baily for his carriage company. Almost right away, the 6-cylinder cars were entered in auto races. There were two dirt track race cars called "Jimmy" and "Jimmy, Jr." after the chief designer and his son. These race cars brought the company nationwide attention. They also drew the interest of a group of Richmond, Virginia businessmen. They noted how well the Kline was selling in their state and eventually bought the company and moved it to Virginia. In Richmond, they reorganized as the Kline Motor Car Corporation and built a new factory in which to produce the car. Starting in November 1912, Klines were produced in Richmond, except for the engines brought in from Bath, New York
, where the Kirkham Machine Company built them. This outsourcing was most likely to enable the new firm to enter mass manufacture quickly.
The Kline was a pricey car and was marketed as a quality item. Indeed, the Model 6-50 runabout
, which cost $2585, was advertised as "one of the classiest roadsters brought out for several seasons... for a physician or a young man of fastidious taste." The car was popular among Washington, DC government employees and those in the equestrian field, such as jockeys and horse trainers. In 1915, the firm was in receivership
, but the firm survived and two years later was making almost 500 cars in a single year. It appeared that the firm was now on a stronger footing, but the post-World War I recession again weakened the firm. The Kline now became an assembled car, which did not please James A. Kline much. From 1919, all Klines rode on a 121" wheelbase. Starting in 1920, a 3672cc Continental
engine was offered, increasing to a 3959cc unit in 1923. Prices at this time ranged from $1865 to $2790. The company ended in early 1924, but not before James Kline said of his beloved Kline Kar, "I would rather see my children dead than prostituted to cheapness and inferior workmanship."
Automobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
built first in York, Pennsylvania
York, Pennsylvania
York, known as the White Rose City , is a city located in York County, Pennsylvania, United States which is in the South Central region of the state. The population within the city limits was 43,718 at the 2010 census, which was a 7.0% increase from the 2000 count of 40,862...
(1910-1912), and then in Richmond, Virginia
Richmond, Virginia
Richmond is the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia, in the United States. It is an independent city and not part of any county. Richmond is the center of the Richmond Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Greater Richmond area...
(1912-1923). Sometimes the car was just referred to as a Kline.
James A. Kline moved to York to work on a car that at the time was known as the York, but would soon become the Pullman
Pullman automobile
The Pullman was an American automobile manufactured in York, Pennsylvania by the York Motor Car Company from 1905 to 1917. Total production is estimated at anywhere from 12,000 to 23,000 cars. The Pullman automobile was named by industrialist A. P...
. After leaving that company, he partnered with another former employee, Samuel E. Baily, and also with Joseph C. Carrell to form B.C.K. Motor Company. This new firm produced the Kline Kar starting in 1910, in the building owned by Baily for his carriage company. Almost right away, the 6-cylinder cars were entered in auto races. There were two dirt track race cars called "Jimmy" and "Jimmy, Jr." after the chief designer and his son. These race cars brought the company nationwide attention. They also drew the interest of a group of Richmond, Virginia businessmen. They noted how well the Kline was selling in their state and eventually bought the company and moved it to Virginia. In Richmond, they reorganized as the Kline Motor Car Corporation and built a new factory in which to produce the car. Starting in November 1912, Klines were produced in Richmond, except for the engines brought in from Bath, New York
Bath (village), New York
Bath is a village in Steuben County, New York, United States. The population was 5,641 at the 2000 census. Bath is the county seat of Steuben County. The community was named either for the English city or for Lady Bath, daughter of William Pulteney, one of the original landowners.The Village of...
, where the Kirkham Machine Company built them. This outsourcing was most likely to enable the new firm to enter mass manufacture quickly.
The Kline was a pricey car and was marketed as a quality item. Indeed, the Model 6-50 runabout
Runabout (car)
Runabouts were a popular car body style at the beginning of the 20th Century. They were small, inexpensive, open cars. Most runabouts had just a single row of seats, providing seating for two passengers. Many also had a tonneau at the rear to provide optional seating for four or five...
, which cost $2585, was advertised as "one of the classiest roadsters brought out for several seasons... for a physician or a young man of fastidious taste." The car was popular among Washington, DC government employees and those in the equestrian field, such as jockeys and horse trainers. In 1915, the firm was in receivership
Receivership
In law, receivership is the situation in which an institution or enterprise is being held by a receiver, a person "placed in the custodial responsibility for the property of others, including tangible and intangible assets and rights." The receivership remedy is an equitable remedy that emerged in...
, but the firm survived and two years later was making almost 500 cars in a single year. It appeared that the firm was now on a stronger footing, but the post-World War I recession again weakened the firm. The Kline now became an assembled car, which did not please James A. Kline much. From 1919, all Klines rode on a 121" wheelbase. Starting in 1920, a 3672cc Continental
Continental Motors Company
Continental Motors Company was an American engine and automobile manufacturer. The company produced engines for various independent manufacturers of automobiles, tractors, and stationary equipment from the 1900s through the 1960s. Continental Motors also produced Continental-branded automobiles in...
engine was offered, increasing to a 3959cc unit in 1923. Prices at this time ranged from $1865 to $2790. The company ended in early 1924, but not before James Kline said of his beloved Kline Kar, "I would rather see my children dead than prostituted to cheapness and inferior workmanship."