| Gale | |
|---|---|
 1906 Gale Model C | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Western Tool Works |
| Production | 1905–1907 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Entry-level car |
| Body style | Roadster |
Western Tool Works was an American brass era automobile manufacturer in Galesburg, Illinois. The company made Gale automobiles from 1904 to 1910. [1] Early Gale runabouts were notable for having bodywork hinged at the rear of the car that could be lifted to ease access to the engine, [1] [2] [3] essentially making the entire body the hood.
In 1905 Western produced the Gale Model A runabout for sale at US$ 500. This was less expensive than the high-volume Oldsmobile Runabout at $650, [4] the 2-seat Ford Model C "Doctor's Car" at $850, [5] or the Holsman high wheeler, [6] but more expensive than the Black at $375, [7] and the Success at $250. [4]
The Model A came standard with a 5 in × 6 in (130 mm × 150 mm) water-cooled engine mounted beneath the tilting body, [8] chain drive, 34 in (860 mm) elliptic springs, 28 in × 3 in (71.1 cm × 7.6 cm) spoke wheels with tube tires, and repair kit. [9]
The same year, Western offered the $650 Gale Model B. Its water-cooled engine, springs, wheels, and tires had the same dimensions as those of the Model A, and it also had chain drive and a repair kit. [9] It offered available leather buggy top, clincher tires, horn, and brass headlights. [9]
In 1907, Western offered the 26 hp (19 kW)Gale Model K-7 phaeton at $1,250. [10] The K-7 was a five-seat touring car with a two-cylinder 5.5 in × 5.5 in (140 mm × 140 mm) engine, a wheelbase of 95 in (2,400 mm), and 32 in × 3.5 in (81.3 cm × 8.9 cm) wheels. [11]
