<< Prev Page 2 of 2 The American Underslung was first shown late in 1906 during the New York Auto Show and offered from 1907 to the public. The two-seater Roadster on show emphasized the car's unusual design by having the front fenders reach all the way up to the top of the radiator. American sales literature was also quick to point out that the lower chassis offered safety benefits as it was less likely to roll over. During the first year of production, the American Underslung came equipped with a 6.4 litre version of the four cylinder engine that produced a competitive 40 bhp. In 1908 a larger, 7.8 litre engine was fitted that initially produced 50 bhp. In later years power was up to 60 bhp.
To put their new machine through the ultimate test one of the 50 bhp Underslung Roadsters was entered in the very high profile Savannah Challenge Cup race. The American was outclassed by the purpose built racing cars, let down mostly by the underpowered engine. It should also be noted that the high mounted engine pretty much negated the advantages of the low chassis. Not surprisingly the Underslung was not raced again by the factory. However the one outing was celebrated with a replica production model, quite ironically dubbed the 'Speedster'. It joined the familiar Roadster and the new Traveler four-seater model in the American line-up for 1909.
Within a few years after the successful launch, it was increasingly difficult for American to find customers for the high quality, but rather expensive Underslung models. In 1912 all conventionally sprung models were discontinued and the company was renamed to 'American Underslung' to further emphasize their unique chassis. In a final attempt to attract new clients, the much smaller 'Scout Roadster' was introduced, while at the same time a six cylinder engine was offered for the bigger cars. It was all for naught as in 1913 the company went into receivership and filed for bankruptcy not much later.
Despite its revolutionary chassis, the American Underslung has long been forgotten. Of the estimated 45,000 constructed only very few examples exist today, which are now rightly coveted by their owners. The unusual cars are rarely offered on the market and when they do, they command prices of up to $400,000. Underlining the low survival rate is the featured Underslung Traveler. << Prev Page 2 of 2
Ultimatecarpage.com
> Cars by brand
> United States
> American
Underslung Scout Roadster
The American Underslung was first shown late in 1906 during the New York Auto Show and offered from 1907 to the public. The two-seater Roadster on show emphasized the car's unusual design by having the front fenders reach all the way up to the top of the radiator. American sales literature was also quick to point out that the lower chassis offered safety benefits as it was less likely to roll over. During the first year of production, the American Underslung came equipped with a 6.4 litre version of the four cylinder engine that produced a competitive 40 bhp. In 1908 a larger, 7.8 litre engine was fitted that initially produced 50 bhp. In later years power was up to 60 bhp.