Lambert (automobile)
Encyclopedia
The Lambert automobile and Lambert truck were built by the Lambert Automobile Company
as an American
vehicle from 1905 through 1916.
The Lambert automobile motor in the early part of manufacturing moved around on the chassis. It was on the back of the chassis, then in the center, then to the front, and back again to the rear of the automobile. The early motors were built at the Lambert factories of the Buckeye Manufacturing Company
and later they were outsourced to other proprietary manufactures.
The Lambert chassis of the high end employed a three point suspension to save driving power by decreasing the lift required of the automobile body because of road surface variations. It saved wear and tear on the automobile body and its parts. The others used ordinary suspension. Sometimes a shaft drive was provided on some models, however most Lambert automobile models were with a chain drive to the rear axle
.
The Lambert automobile chassis with the gearless friction drive speed change transmission
was the basis for the Lambert automobiles and trucks built from 1906 through 1916. The valve action of the engines were hardened steel cams that were applied to the cam shaft. The cam faces were slightly convex, and worked on hardened rollers, carried in swinging forks, which beared against square ended sliders. The valves were alumimum heads driven to shoulder on riveted steel stems. The valve action was direct with no side action on the sliders. The compression was between 50 to 55 pounds of pressure.
The Lambert opposed cylinder motor had a number of features not usual in that form of gas engine in that era. For example, the oiler was of the precision variety, in which a ratchet actuated worm drive a worm gear carrying a spring actuated oil force pump successively over the oil leads to be supplied, the plunge spring being compressed by a circle of wedges, and the rise from each compression being regulated by an individual temper screw. Oil leads dropped oil on the crank wrist rod ends. The cranks had full disk arms and the crank shaft journals ran in bronze bearings.
Lambert came in second in an automobile race conducted in July 1905 from Chicago to St. Paul. There were a total of 53 automobiles entered into the race and Lambert's was the only gasoline powered automobile to finish. The success of Lambert's 16 hp automobile against others of 40 hp was attributed to the Lambert friction gearing disk drive transmission. Some of the models of the Lambert automobiles and trucks are described below.
. It was a 5 passenger automobile. The wheelbase was 94 inches (2,387.6 mm), gauge 56 inches (1,422.4 mm). The wheels were 30 inches (762 mm) by 3.5 inches (88.9 mm). It weighed 2000 pounds and cost $1050, including two oil lamps, mats, horn, and tools. The motor was a pair of opposed cylinders 6X4, set far to the front of the vehicle. It came with a friction drive, side chains to the rear wheels.
. It was a 5 passenger automobile. The wheelbase was 94 inches (2,387.6 mm), gauge 56 inches (1,422.4 mm). The wheels were 30 inches (762 mm) by 3.5 inches (88.9 mm). It weighed 2100 pounds and cost $1200, including two oil lamps, mats, horn, and tools. The motor was a pair of opposed cylinders 6X4, set far to the front of the vehicle. It came with a friction drive, side chains to the rear wheels.
Lambert Model A runabout with the chassis side shown. The motor can be seen placed in the rear with the engine cover raised. This is the lowest cost of the Lambert automobiles. This is done by placing the motor with a pair of opposed cylinders in the rear. It is also the most accessible motor location and also places the most weight on the drivers of the wheels. It is therefore an extremely suitable frame for a light low-priced automobile. This was the smallest, lightest and lowest priced 1906 model.
. It was a 5 passenger automobile. The wheelbase was 110 inches (2,794 mm), gauge 56 inches (1,422.4 mm). The wheels were 34 inches (863.6 mm) by 4.5 inches (114.3 mm). It weighed 2900 pounds and cost $1250, including two oil lamps, mats, horn, and tools. The motor was a 4-cycle 28 hp engine set in the front of the vehicle. It came with a friction drive, side chains to the rear wheels.
. It was a 5 passenger automobile. The wheelbase was 110 inches (2,794 mm), gauge 56 inches (1,422.4 mm). The wheels were 30 inches (762 mm) by 3.5 inches (88.9 mm). It weighed 2400 pounds and cost $1275, including two oil lamps, mats, horn, and tools. The motor was a 4-cycle 35 hp engine set in the front of the vehicle. It came with a friction drive, side chains to the rear wheels.
Model B truck weighed 2400 pounds and had a 1500 pound pay load capacity. It cost $1500. The motor was a pair of opposed cylinders 6X4.5 set in rear of driver's seat of the vehicle. It came with a friction disk drive, side chains to the rear wheels. Model B Truck came with a wheelbase of 96 inches (2,438.4 mm), gauge 56 inches (1,422.4 mm). It was a 2 passenger truck. The rear Firestone wheels were 32 inches (812.8 mm) in diameter by 4 inches (101.6 mm) wide. The front Firestone wheels were 32 inches (812.8 mm) in diameter by 3.5 inches (88.9 mm) wide. A truck platform and a driver's hood was an extra option.
Lambert Automobile Company
The Lambert Automobile Company was a automobile factory in Anderson, Indiana to make the Lambert automobile through the Buckeye Manufacturing Company.-History:...
as an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
vehicle from 1905 through 1916.
The Lambert automobile motor in the early part of manufacturing moved around on the chassis. It was on the back of the chassis, then in the center, then to the front, and back again to the rear of the automobile. The early motors were built at the Lambert factories of the Buckeye Manufacturing Company
Buckeye Manufacturing Company
The Buckeye Manufacturing Company was a company originally formed to manufacture horse and buggy parts. It was started in the later part of the nineteenth century and by the early part of the twentieth century was making parts and materials for the Buckeye gasoline buggy automobile as well as for...
and later they were outsourced to other proprietary manufactures.
The Lambert chassis of the high end employed a three point suspension to save driving power by decreasing the lift required of the automobile body because of road surface variations. It saved wear and tear on the automobile body and its parts. The others used ordinary suspension. Sometimes a shaft drive was provided on some models, however most Lambert automobile models were with a chain drive to the rear axle
Axle
An axle is a central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear. On wheeled vehicles, the axle may be fixed to the wheels, rotating with them, or fixed to its surroundings, with the wheels rotating around the axle. In the former case, bearings or bushings are provided at the mounting points where the axle...
.
The Lambert automobile chassis with the gearless friction drive speed change transmission
Lambert friction gearing disk drive transmission
The Lambert friction gearing disk drive transmission was invented by John William Lambert originally in 1904. The invention relates to a friction disk drive transmission for automobiles that is gearless. He saw the need for a simple transmission of engine power to an automobile's drive...
was the basis for the Lambert automobiles and trucks built from 1906 through 1916. The valve action of the engines were hardened steel cams that were applied to the cam shaft. The cam faces were slightly convex, and worked on hardened rollers, carried in swinging forks, which beared against square ended sliders. The valves were alumimum heads driven to shoulder on riveted steel stems. The valve action was direct with no side action on the sliders. The compression was between 50 to 55 pounds of pressure.
The Lambert opposed cylinder motor had a number of features not usual in that form of gas engine in that era. For example, the oiler was of the precision variety, in which a ratchet actuated worm drive a worm gear carrying a spring actuated oil force pump successively over the oil leads to be supplied, the plunge spring being compressed by a circle of wedges, and the rise from each compression being regulated by an individual temper screw. Oil leads dropped oil on the crank wrist rod ends. The cranks had full disk arms and the crank shaft journals ran in bronze bearings.
Lambert came in second in an automobile race conducted in July 1905 from Chicago to St. Paul. There were a total of 53 automobiles entered into the race and Lambert's was the only gasoline powered automobile to finish. The success of Lambert's 16 hp automobile against others of 40 hp was attributed to the Lambert friction gearing disk drive transmission. Some of the models of the Lambert automobiles and trucks are described below.
1906 Model 4
The 1906 Lambert model 4 came with a detachable tonneauTonneau
right|thumb|260px|1903 [[Ford Model A |Ford Model A]] rear-door TonneauTonneau cover , describes a hard or soft cover used to protect unoccupied passenger seats in a convertible, roadster, or for a pickup truck bed. Hard tonneau covers open by a hinging or folding mechanism while soft covers open...
. It was a 5 passenger automobile. The wheelbase was 94 inches (2,387.6 mm), gauge 56 inches (1,422.4 mm). The wheels were 30 inches (762 mm) by 3.5 inches (88.9 mm). It weighed 2000 pounds and cost $1050, including two oil lamps, mats, horn, and tools. The motor was a pair of opposed cylinders 6X4, set far to the front of the vehicle. It came with a friction drive, side chains to the rear wheels.
1906 Model 5
The 1906 Lambert model 5 came with a detachable tonneauTonneau
right|thumb|260px|1903 [[Ford Model A |Ford Model A]] rear-door TonneauTonneau cover , describes a hard or soft cover used to protect unoccupied passenger seats in a convertible, roadster, or for a pickup truck bed. Hard tonneau covers open by a hinging or folding mechanism while soft covers open...
. It was a 5 passenger automobile. The wheelbase was 94 inches (2,387.6 mm), gauge 56 inches (1,422.4 mm). The wheels were 30 inches (762 mm) by 3.5 inches (88.9 mm). It weighed 2100 pounds and cost $1200, including two oil lamps, mats, horn, and tools. The motor was a pair of opposed cylinders 6X4, set far to the front of the vehicle. It came with a friction drive, side chains to the rear wheels.
1906 Model 7
The 1906 Lambert model 7 was a side entrance touring automobile. It was a 5 passenger automobile. The wheelbase was 94 inches (2,387.6 mm), gauge 56 inches (1,422.4 mm). The wheels were 30 inches (762 mm) by 3.5 inches (88.9 mm). It weighed 2250 pounds and cost $2000, including five oil lamps, mats, horn, and full tool equipment. The motor was a pair of opposed cylinders 6 X 4 inches (101.6 mm), set far to the front of the vehicle. It came with a friction drive, side chains to the rear wheels. It had the same body as the Model 6 and was designed for extended traveling.1906 Model 8
The 1906 Lambert model 8 was a side entrance touring automobile. It was a 5 passenger automobile. The wheelbase was 98 inches (2,489.2 mm), gauge 56 inches (1,422.4 mm). The wheels were 34 inches (863.6 mm) by 4.5 inches (114.3 mm). It weighed 2300 pounds and cost $3000, including five oil lamps, mats, horn, generator, Jones Speedometer, and full tool equipment. The motor was four 4-cycle water-cooled vertical cylinders, tandem 4.5 X 5 inches (127 mm) with a friction disk drive, side chains to the rear wheels. Side doors to tonneau and side doors to driver's seat. It was designed for extended traveling.1906 Model A runabout
The 1906 Lambert model A runabout came with a wheelbase of 78 inches (1,981.2 mm), gauge 56 inches (1,422.4 mm). It was a 2 passenger automobile. The wheels were 30 inches (762 mm) in diameter by 3.5 inches (88.9 mm) wide. It weighed 1800 pounds and cost $900, including two oil lamps, mats, horn, and tools. The motor was a pair of opposed cylinders 6 X 4, set over the rear axle of the vehicle. It came with a friction disk drive, side chains to the rear wheels.Lambert Model A runabout with the chassis side shown. The motor can be seen placed in the rear with the engine cover raised. This is the lowest cost of the Lambert automobiles. This is done by placing the motor with a pair of opposed cylinders in the rear. It is also the most accessible motor location and also places the most weight on the drivers of the wheels. It is therefore an extremely suitable frame for a light low-priced automobile. This was the smallest, lightest and lowest priced 1906 model.
1907 Model F
The 1907 Lambert model F was a side entrance touring automobile. It was a 5 passenger automobile. The wheelbase was 106 inches (2,692.4 mm), gauge 56 inches (1,422.4 mm). The wheels were 34 inches (863.6 mm) by 4.5 inches (114.3 mm). It weighed 2900 pounds and cost $3000, including five oil lamps, mats, horn, generator, Jones Speedometer, and full tool equipment. The motor was four 4-cycle water-cooled vertical cylinders, 40 hp, tandem 4.5 X 5 inches (127 mm) with a friction disk drive, side chains to the rear wheels. Side doors to tonneau and side doors to driver's seat. It was designed for extended traveling.1908 Model 18 runabout
The 1908 Lambert model 18 runabout came with a wheelbase of 95 inches (2,413 mm), gauge 56 inches (1,422.4 mm). It was a 2 passenger automobile. The wheels were 30 inches (762 mm) in diameter by 3.5 inches (88.9 mm) wide. It weighed 2300 pounds and cost $800, including two oil lamps, mats, horn, and tools. The motor was a pair of opposed cylinders 6 X 4, set over the rear axle of the vehicle. It came with a friction disk drive, side chains to the rear wheels.1909 Model 30
The 1909 Lambert model 30 automobile came with a detachable tonneauTonneau
right|thumb|260px|1903 [[Ford Model A |Ford Model A]] rear-door TonneauTonneau cover , describes a hard or soft cover used to protect unoccupied passenger seats in a convertible, roadster, or for a pickup truck bed. Hard tonneau covers open by a hinging or folding mechanism while soft covers open...
. It was a 5 passenger automobile. The wheelbase was 110 inches (2,794 mm), gauge 56 inches (1,422.4 mm). The wheels were 34 inches (863.6 mm) by 4.5 inches (114.3 mm). It weighed 2900 pounds and cost $1250, including two oil lamps, mats, horn, and tools. The motor was a 4-cycle 28 hp engine set in the front of the vehicle. It came with a friction drive, side chains to the rear wheels.
1910 Model 36
The 1910 Lambert model 36 touring automobile came with a detachable tonneauTonneau
right|thumb|260px|1903 [[Ford Model A |Ford Model A]] rear-door TonneauTonneau cover , describes a hard or soft cover used to protect unoccupied passenger seats in a convertible, roadster, or for a pickup truck bed. Hard tonneau covers open by a hinging or folding mechanism while soft covers open...
. It was a 5 passenger automobile. The wheelbase was 110 inches (2,794 mm), gauge 56 inches (1,422.4 mm). The wheels were 30 inches (762 mm) by 3.5 inches (88.9 mm). It weighed 2400 pounds and cost $1275, including two oil lamps, mats, horn, and tools. The motor was a 4-cycle 35 hp engine set in the front of the vehicle. It came with a friction drive, side chains to the rear wheels.
1912 Model 99
The 1912 Lambert model 99 roadster automobile was a 2 passenger automobile. The wheelbase was 117 inches (2,971.8 mm), gauge 56 inches (1,422.4 mm). The wheels were 34 inches (863.6 mm) by 4.5 inches (114.3 mm). It weighed 3200 pounds and cost $1250, including two oil lamps, mats, horn, and tools. The motor was a 4-cycle 40 hp engine set in the front of the vehicle. It came with a friction drive, side chains to the rear wheels.1914 Model 46-C
The 1914 Lambert model 46-C touring automobile was a 5 passenger automobile. The wheelbase was 112 inches (2,844.8 mm), gauge 56 inches (1,422.4 mm). The wheels were 30 inches (762 mm) by 3.5 inches (88.9 mm). It weighed 2500 pounds and cost $1200, including two oil lamps, mats, horn, and tools. The motor was a 4-cycle 23 hp engine set in the front of the vehicle. It came with a friction drive, side chains to the rear wheels.1915 Model 48-C
The 1915 Lambert model 48-C touring automobile was a 5 passenger automobile. The wheelbase was 112 inches (2,844.8 mm), gauge 56 inches (1,422.4 mm). The wheels were 30 inches (762 mm) by 3.5 inches (88.9 mm). It weighed 2500 pounds and cost $1200, including two oil lamps, mats, horn, and tools. The motor was a 4-cycle 23 hp engine set in the front of the vehicle. It came with a friction drive, side chains to the rear wheels.Model A & B
Model A truck came with a wheelbase of 96 inches (2,438.4 mm), gauge 56 inches (1,422.4 mm). It was a 2 passenger truck. The rear Firestone wheels were 32 inches (812.8 mm) in diameter by 4 inches (101.6 mm) wide. The front Firestone wheels were 32 inches (812.8 mm) in diameter by 3.5 inches (88.9 mm) wide. The motor was a pair of opposed cylinders 5.5X6 set in rear of driver's seat of the vehicle. It came with a friction disk drive, side chains to the rear wheels. It weighed 3000 pounds and had a pay load capacity of 3000 pounds. It cost $2000. A truck platform and a driver's hood was an extra option.Model B truck weighed 2400 pounds and had a 1500 pound pay load capacity. It cost $1500. The motor was a pair of opposed cylinders 6X4.5 set in rear of driver's seat of the vehicle. It came with a friction disk drive, side chains to the rear wheels. Model B Truck came with a wheelbase of 96 inches (2,438.4 mm), gauge 56 inches (1,422.4 mm). It was a 2 passenger truck. The rear Firestone wheels were 32 inches (812.8 mm) in diameter by 4 inches (101.6 mm) wide. The front Firestone wheels were 32 inches (812.8 mm) in diameter by 3.5 inches (88.9 mm) wide. A truck platform and a driver's hood was an extra option.
See also
- Union automobileUnion (automobile)The Union automobile was based on Lambert's "horseless carriage" gasoline buggy. It had four wheels instead of his 1891 three-wheeled version. The automobile was made by the Union Automobile Company from 1902 through 1905...
- John William LambertJohn William LambertJohn William Lambert was an American automotive pioneer, inventor, and automobile manufacturer.-Biography:...
- Buckeye gasoline buggyBuckeye gasoline buggyThe Buckeye gasoline buggy or Lambert gasoline buggy was the first practical gasoline automobile available for sale in America, according to automobile historians.-History:...
- Union Automobile CompanyUnion Automobile CompanyThe Union Automobile Company began to make automobiles in Union City, Indiana in 1902. It built the Union automobile from 1902 through 1905. The company was located in Union City, Indiana from 1902 to 1905...
- Lambert Automobile CompanyLambert Automobile CompanyThe Lambert Automobile Company was a automobile factory in Anderson, Indiana to make the Lambert automobile through the Buckeye Manufacturing Company.-History:...
- Buckeye Manufacturing CompanyBuckeye Manufacturing CompanyThe Buckeye Manufacturing Company was a company originally formed to manufacture horse and buggy parts. It was started in the later part of the nineteenth century and by the early part of the twentieth century was making parts and materials for the Buckeye gasoline buggy automobile as well as for...
- Lambert Gas and Gasoline Engine CompanyLambert Gas and Gasoline Engine CompanyThe Lambert Gas and Gasoline Engine Company was a company founded by John William Lambert in the later part of the nineteenth century as part of the conglomerate of the Buckeye Manufacturing Company.-History:...
- Lambert friction gearing disk drive transmissionLambert friction gearing disk drive transmissionThe Lambert friction gearing disk drive transmission was invented by John William Lambert originally in 1904. The invention relates to a friction disk drive transmission for automobiles that is gearless. He saw the need for a simple transmission of engine power to an automobile's drive...
Primary sources
- Anderson Morning Herald archives, Anderson, Indiana
- Biography of John W. Lambert, written by his son January 25, 1935 - obtained from the Detroit Public Library, National Automotive History Collection
- Dolnar, Hugh, Automobile Trade Journal, article: The Lambert, 1906 Line of Automobiles, Chilton Company, v.10 January 1906
- Forkner, John L., History of Madison County, Indiana, New York and Chicago, The Lewis Publishing Company, 1914
- The Horseless Age: The Automobile Trade Magazine, The Horseless Age Company, 1902
Secondary sources
- Bailey, L. Scott, Historic Discovery: 1891 Lambert, New Claim for America's First Car, Antique Automobile magazine, Vol. 24, No. 5, Oct–Nov 1960
- David Burgess Wise, The New Illustrated Encyclopedia of Automobiles ISBN 0-7858-1106-0
- Dittlinger, Esther et al., Anderson: A Pictorial History, G. Bradley Publishing, 1990, ISBN 0943963168
- Georgano, G. N., The Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile, Taylor & Francis, 2000, ISBN 1-5795829-3-1
- Huffman, Wallace Spencer, Indiana's Place in Automobile History in Indiana History Bulletin, vol 44, no. 2, Feb. 1967; Indianapolis, Indiana Historical Bureau
- Huhti, Thomas, The Great Indiana Touring Book: 20 Spectacular Auto Tours, Big Earth Publishing, 2002, ISBN 1-9315990-9-2
- James, Wanda, Driving from Japan, McFarland, 2005, ISBN 0-786417-3-4X
- Kimes, Beverly Rae, Standard Catalog of American Cars, 1805–1942, Krause Publications, 1996, ISBN 0-8734142-8-4
- Madden, W. C., Haynes-Apperson and America's First Practical Automobile: A History, McFarland, 2003, ISBN 0-7864139-7-2
- Scharchburg, Richard P., Carriages Without Horses: J. Frank Duryea and the Birth of the American Automobile Industry, SAE, 1993, ISBN 1-5609138-0-0