American Coal Scuttle Hoods after 1905

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By Ariejan Bos:
Recently I showed you some European coal scuttle bonnets from after 1905. Several reactions made me feel the need for a similar overview for the American industry. A difference with the European industry was that a continuous line between the pre- and after-1905 coal scuttle bonnets (or hoods in proper US language) does not really exist. In 1908 Palmer-Singer produced the Skimabout, with similar hood also available as landaulette. Most cars with this hood-type date from 1910 or later. Franklin(main photo) is of course one of the more well-known, turned to this type in 1911, but is deviating because of the missing water reservoir (air-cooled!). Somewhat earlier were 1910 Mora runabout and the 1910 Croxton-Keeton, who called it the French type (they also produced a model with a honeycomb radiator, which was called the German type). The French type was continued from 1912 as the Keeton. In most cases Renault is mentioned as the source of inspiration, as is the case for the Rayfield and especially the Colburn. The latter firm imported Renault cars, as their own car production didn't meet the demand. They adapted the cars to the American market, rebadging them Colburns. Compare with the Renault bought by Joan Cuneo in the same year! Other examples are the 1910 Thomas taxi (perhaps pursuing the Renault success story in Europe?), the 1915 Stewart and some oddities like the 1914 Eage-Macomber light car and the 1910 Twombly steamer (with quickly replaceable body as well as power unit). The Monarch has some resemblance, but has the water reservoir in front. Finally also in the USA electric cars frequently made use of some kind of coal scuttle shape, often more of the box-type. The Hupp-Yeats however used the 'real' one, probably in an attempt to make it look like a 'real' car ...

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