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Du Pont Motors

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Du Pont Motor Company
IndustryAutomotive
Founded1919
FounderEleuthere Paul du Pont
Defunct1931
FateMerged into the Indian Motorcycle Company
Headquarters
Wilmington, DE (1919–1923)
Moore, PA (1923–1932)
,
United States
Area served
United States
ProductsVehicles
Automotive parts
Exterior of a Du Pont automobile
Interior of a Du Pont automobile

Du Pont Motors was founded by E. Paul du Pont to produce marine engines for the Allied nations during World War I. After the war, the Du Pont Motor Company produced extremely high-end automobiles.[1] The cars were manufactured in Wilmington, Delaware.

E. Paul du Pont's resources allowed him to hire top-quality automotive and management talent. The company's first product, the Model A, was introduced at the 1919 International Salon at the Commodore Hotel in New York City (an event for the wealthy by invitation only, along with the finest manufacturers and coach builders). The Model G was introduced in 1928, with a 5.3 liter side-valve straight eight engine of 125 hp (93 kW).

Between 1919 and 1931, the company produced approximately 537 automobiles,[2] most of which no longer exist. They were compared to such luxury cars as Packard, Cadillac and even Duesenberg, and were known for their quality and style. Customers included Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Will Rogers and Jack Dempsey.

The company went bankrupt in 1932 and merged into the Indian Motorcycle Company when E. Paul du Pont purchased the latter company.[1]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b Girdler, Allan (2002). The Harley-Davidson and Indian Wars. St Paul, Minnesota: MotorBooks International. p. 91. ISBN 978-0-7603-1353-4.
  2. ^ Cars By Lou Phillips [full citation needed]