Acme (automobile)

The Acme was a model of chain-driven touring cars made by the Reber Manufacturing Co in Reading, Pennsylvania, from 1903 to 1911.

The company was founded by James C Reber in 1892 making bicycles. The first cars had a twin-cylinder engine but were soon followed by 4-cylinder models and in 1909 6-cylinder. The 1909 9653 cc Vanderbilt Six featured overdrive fourth gear.

The price of these vehicles ranged from US$3,000 to US$5,000, which included, rather optimistically, a 'perpetual guarantee.'

The company went into receivership in 1906 and the last cars were made in 1911. The factory was sold to SGV who continued making some of the range until 1915. Then they sold to Phianna who moved production to Newark, New Jersey.

References

G. Marshall Naul, "Acme", in G.N. Georgano, ed., The Complete Encyclopedia of Motorcars 1885-1968 (New York: E.P. Dutton and Co., 1974), pp.27.