Knox

The Knox Automobile Company was an American automobile manufacturer located in Springfield, Massachusetts. The company was active from 1900 to 1914 and produced a range of automobiles, trucks, and farm tractors until 1924. Knox gained recognition for building the first modern fire engine in 1905, which was a significant development in fire fighting technology. The company was known for its high-quality vehicles and innovative designs, including the Knox Touring Car and the Knox Runabout. Despite their success, the company struggled financially and eventually went bankrupt in 1914. Nevertheless, Knox left an important legacy in the automotive industry, particularly in the development of firefighting equipment.

The Knox Automobile Company was founded by Harry Austin Knox and Elihu H. Cutler in 1900 in Springfield, Massachusetts. The company built 15 cars in their first year and their models included the Knox Model A, a three-wheel runabout with a 5-hp one-cylinder air-cooled engine. They also produced trucks and farm tractors until 1924. In 1905, Knox built the very first modern fire engine. By 1912, sales were slipping and a receiver was called in. The last Knox automobiles were built in 1914 and Knox was declared bankrupt in 1915. However, Knox reorganized as the Knox Motors Corporation and continued to build tractors and trucks until 1924. Afterward, Harry Knox moved on to design tanks for the US Army Ordnance Department, including the Vertical volute spring suspension and his track design used on almost all American tanks of WWII.