1908 American Underslung Roadster

The American Underslung was an American automobile, the brainchild of Harry Stutz and designer Harry Tone, manufactured in Indianapolis from 1905 until 1914 by American Motor Car Company. The chassis design and huge 40 inch wheels gave it a distinctive appearance and it was noticeably lower than other cars of the same era.

 
The chassis was hung below the axles rather than set atop them, giving the sports car appearance and handling. The underslung was one of the most significant automobiles of the century’s first decade and marketed at the upper price range with prices from $1,250 to $4,000. This example is fitted with a 491 cubic-inch, 4-cylinder engine developing 50 horsepower.

The American Underslung marketing slogan was “The Car for the Discriminating Few” and apparently there were few buyers. Although new models were introduced for 1914, the end came when the firm was put into receivership in November 1913.

Taken at the 2014 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.

You may purchase a print in our dElegance 2014 online gallery.