Introduction

These pages list 321 makes of American automobiles that were constructed between the years of 1920 and 1942. If a make were also constructed before 1920, the beginning date is listed, but only the models and/or series beginning in 1920 are listed. Any model is listed the first time it appeared but not repeated if it carried on into subsequent years.There was a general cessation of the making of automobiles for consumer use during the years 1943, 1944, and 1945. Thus, this list includes only to 1942. Although some of the makes returned into production in 1946, some continuing to this day, the last date included on the line In Production is 1942. Some makes were constructed in two or more cities. Only one city is listed for each of those.

Many makes were constructed in the period of 1900-1930. Many lasted for only a few years. Those that did not advance beyond the planning stage or the prototype have not been included. There were very few new makes between 1930-1942 in comparison. There were actually numerous vehicles classified as cars that appeared throughout the 19th century.

The source of the information is the 1500-page book indicated below. This section is for the interest of the reader and should not be taken as a complete authority because of its abbreviated data. For the person who would like to research more deeply, we would advise that the book be borrowed through a local library or purchased. By clicking on the title below, it can be purchased through Amazon.

Kimes, Beverly Rae, and Henry Austin Clark, Jr. Standard Catalog of American Cars, 1805-1942. Iola WI: Krause Publications, 1985.

There is another book available, Standard Catalog of American Cars, 1946-1975, that covers the next period.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the following for assistance for this topic:

1. Reference Department, Metrotown Branch, Burnaby Public Library, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
2. Richard E. Stephens, of Brandon, FL, USA, provided data on the Stephens car. He has restored actual models and is the author of The Rise and Fall of the Stephens Automobile, Models 1916-1924.