Western Tool Works (automobile company)

Last updated
Gale
1906Gale.jpg
1906 Gale Model C
Overview
ManufacturerWestern Tool Works
Production19051907
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]

Notes

  1. 1 2 Georgano 1971, p. 86.
  2. Clymer 1950, pp. 56, 178.
  3. Sedgwick 1972, p. 26.
  4. 1 2 Clymer 1950, p. 32.
  5. Clymer 1950, p. 37.
  6. Clymer 1950, p. 83.
  7. Clymer 1950, p. 61.
  8. Clymer 1950, p. 178.
  9. 1 2 3 Clymer 1950, p. 51.
  10. Clymer 1950, p. 56.
  11. Dluhy 2013, p. 139.

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