Chapter II: Preface: 1

INTRODUCTION 11

CHAPTER I.

Introductory—Automobile Figures Are
Amazing 27

Industry reaches two billion dollar mark—optimistic of
future increase—point of saturation far off—reliability
contest a factor in popularizing automobiles—Ford, the
wizard who converted the industry to price reduction—installment
plan of payment—part machining plays in low
selling prices—women a factor in automobile buying—good
roads now the industry’s greatest aid—farmers as
available prospects.

CHAPTER II.

Mechanical Evolution of the Automobile 49

First horseless vehicle constructed by Cugnot, a Frenchman,
over 150 years ago—invention traced in different
countries, down to the first successful gasoline automobile
made in the United States by Charles E. Duryea in 1892—prohibitive
laws in England discouraged invention there—Evans
in 1784 first American to experiment in horseless
vehicles—French and German inventors’ part in development—Selden
first patentor of gasoline motor—inventor’s
difficulties in interesting capital—electrics appear—steam
preceded both electrics and gasoline.

CHAPTER III.

Commercializing the Automobile 77

Steam and electric types outstripped by gasoline car—co-operation
partly popularized motor car—standardization
enabled price reduction—tungsten and other alloys, heat
treatment of steel, advertising and invalidation of Selden’s
patent, in the industry’s development—reasons for United
States’ supremacy in industry.

CHAPTER IV.

Automobile Industry As an Investment 139

Industry had little original capital invested in it—present
investment largely made up of profits—difficulties in getting
capital—dealers put up money to finance distribution—production
not reached its height—commercial cars and tractors promise great
opportunities—industry a surprise to economists—large as it is,
industry still in comparative infancy.

CHAPTER V.

Benefits Conferred by the Automobile 155

A medium of exchange of knowledge and ideas by bringing
people together—uproots bigotry and removes prejudice—revolutionizes
thought and habits, and liberalizes
mind—emancipates woman from drudgery of domesticity—increases
social amenities—a health giver; saves human
life; aid in eugenics—stimulates better roads—saving in
war.

CHAPTER VI.

Reports on Automobiles, Automobile Accessories
and Tire Manufacturers Securities
from a Financial and Investment Stand-point 171

Economic history, and its relation to stock trading in
the automobile industry—securities traded in on New York
stock exchange and curb—securities on exchanges in other
cities, and data for 1916—principal securities not generally
traded in—prices and terms—newer entrants—security
issues of tire companies—comparison of automobile with
other securities—present and possible future trend—graphic
charts and comparative tables.

CHAPTER VII.

Passenger Automobiles Manufactured in the
United States 219

Range of prices in effect April 1, 1917.

CHAPTER VIII.

Gasoline Trucks and Delivery Cars Manufactured
in the United States 231

Range of prices and other data prior to April 1, 1917.—Courtesy
of Everybody’s Magazine.