| Company type | Automobile manufacturer |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1899; 126 years ago (1899) |
| Founder | Max Hertel |
| Defunct | 1900; 125 years ago (1900) |
| Fate | Closed |
| Products | Automobiles |
Hertel or Oakman-Hertel was an American veteran automobile company in Greenfield, Massachusetts started in 1899 and closing in 1900.
History
Max Hertel was an engineer for the American Biscuit Company and entered the 1895 Chicago Times-Herald Race. His small two-cylinder gasoline car, built between two bicycle frames, broke the steering gear on the way to the starting line and he could not compete.
In 1899 Hertel established the Oakman Motor Vehicle Company in Greenfield, Massachusetts. The company produced a two-seat, two-cylinder, tiller steered runabout which sold for $750 (equivalent to $27,468 in 2023), that was very similar to his Times-Herald car.
With very few cars selling, creditors closed Hertel's factory in November 1900.
References
- 100 Years of the American Auto Millennium Edition, Copyright 1999 Publications International, Ltd.
- ^ Kimes, Beverly Rae; Clark Jr; Henry Austin (1996). Standard Catalog of American Cars: 1805–1942. Iola, WI: Krause Publications. p. 700. ISBN 978-0-87341-428-9.