1907 Westinghouse Model 40

Westinghouse (Ste. des Automobiles Westinghouse) automobiles were made by the French brand of the famous American electrical company Westinghouse. Their cars were designed in Pittsburgh, PA but built in Le Havre, France by Societe Anonyme Westinghouse.

The Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company of Pittsburgh purchased the patents of Hub Motors Company of Chicago in 1901. Hub had produced a few small electric passenger carriers, and after acquiring the patents, Westinghouse may have produced a few electric vehicles. Their purpose in purchasing the patents, however, was to build forty electric buses, with bodies by the American Carriage Company.

By 1905, the Westinghouse Company added gasoline-powered vehicles to their lineup. Their engine was a water-cooled, 40-horsepower four-inch unit that was mounted onto a wheelbase that measured 122 inches. In chassis form, the Westinghouse commanded a staggering $7,500. With coachwork, the price escalated even further.

In 1907, the company entered receivership and it is believed at this time, the manufacture and importation of the Westinghouse came to a close.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2013