• STOHR DESIGN
  • VINTAGE CASTINGS
  • CHRISTIE AUTOMOBILES 1903-1909: a Blog
  • BUGATTI TYPE 57 ENGINE BLOCK CASTINGS
  Stohr Design

the first known Christie automobile

11/7/2011

1 Comment

 
In 1903 Walter Christie built two experimental cars.  The first was directly based on his US Patent No. 761,657, which was filed Jan.18, 1904 and granted June 7.  The main object of his invention was to secure the greatest simplicity of high-speed front wheel drive, combined with front wheel steering.  His invention consisted of locating the engine between the driving wheels with it's crankshaft adapted to directly drive the front wheels.  His patent included a novel transmission (with low and reverse gears) and 4 clutch mechanisms for throwing the motor out of and into direct drive with the wheels. 
Ultimately, I think the novel transmission and clutch mechanisms may have been the Achilles heel of Christie's automobiles.  His cars became reasonably good circle track race cars, but he was never successful in his efforts to build standard production models.  

Below is a side view of Christie's first known car, with Walter at the wheel. Also shown is a drawing from the patent.

                                             1903 CHRISTIE

Picture
Picture
1 Comment
Rahatamtam Blog link
9/26/2023 04:57:49 pm

Great blog, I enjoyed reading it.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Lee Stohr (b.1957: Delaware, USA) is an American race car designer and owner of STOHR DESIGN

    Links

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    September 2019
    December 2014
    January 2014
    September 2013
    July 2013
    February 2013
    November 2011

    Categories

    All
    1903 Christie
    1904 Christie
    1905 Christie Racer
    1906 Christie Racer
    1906 Vanderbilt Cup
    1907 Christie Racer
    1909 Christie Racer
    1909 Christie Taxi
    1910 Christie V8
    1913 Christie Fire Engine
    Introduction
    List Of Christie Cars
    Other Cars Of The Era

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly