Hertel or Oakman-Hertel was an American veteran automobile company in Greenfield, Massachusetts started in 1899 and closing in 1900.[1][2]

1899 Hertel (Oakman-Hertel)
1899 Hertel (Oakman-Hertel)
Oakman Motor Vehicle Company
Company typeAutomobile manufacturer
Founded1899; 125 years ago (1899)
FounderMax Hertel
Defunct1900; 124 years ago (1900)
FateClosed
ProductsAutomobiles

History

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Max Hertel was an engineer for the American Biscuit Company and entered the 1895 Chicago Times-Herald Race. His small two-cylinder gasoline car, built between two bicycle frames, broke the steering gear on the way to the starting line and he could not compete.[2]

In 1899 Hertel established the Oakman Motor Vehicle Company in Greenfield, Massachusetts. The company produced a two-seat, two-cylinder, tiller steered runabout which sold for $750 (equivalent to $27,468 in 2023), that was very similar to his Times-Herald car.[2]

With very few cars selling, creditors closed Hertel's factory in November 1900.[2]

References

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  1. ^ 100 Years of the American Auto Millennium Edition, Copyright 1999 Publications International, Ltd.
  2. ^ a b c d Kimes, Beverly Rae; Clark Jr; Henry Austin (1996). Standard Catalog of American Cars: 1805–1942. Iola, WI: Krause Publications. p. 700. ISBN 978-0-87341-428-9.