Acme Motor Car Co. – Nothing Unique vs. the Competition

The brief history of Acme Motor Car Company began in 1903. James C. Reber in Reading, Pennsylvania, took a struggling bicycle maker and started the car company. The name “Acme” comes from the Greek word meaning “peak” or “prime”. The company’s first car, the Model A, was a two-cylinder, 12-horsepower runabout that sold for $1,000. The Model A sold well, and Acme expanded its lineup to include a variety of models, including touring cars, roadsters, and delivery vans.

In 1908, Acme introduced its first six-cylinder car, the Sextuplet. The Sextuplet was a high-performance car that delivered a smooth ride and excellent handling. It came with a 10-year warranty.

Despite introducing new models along the way, Acme had been in and out of receivership as early as 1906. Several new managers tried unsuccessfully to turn a profit. Acme continued production until the early 1910s. In 1911, it closed its doors. Acme’s demise stemmed from a number of factors, including probable mismanagement, the rising cost of manufacturing, and the increasing competition from larger automakers.

Acme is an example of the many organizations it takes along the way to coalesce into a mature new industry. Remaining independent can risk failure alongside the bigger players. The creation of General Motors probably saved several of its early component brands. Acme did not benefit from such a merger.

Here are some of the notable Acme cars:

Model A (1903): A two-cylinder, 12-horsepower runabout.
The Model B (1904): A four-cylinder, 20-horsepower touring car.
Acme Model C (1905): A six-cylinder, 30-horsepower touring car.
Sextuplet (1908): A high-performance six-cylinder car with a 10-year warranty.
Model D (1909): A four-cylinder, 25-horsepower touring car.
The Model E (1910): A six-cylinder, 35-horsepower touring car.