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.
| Gale | |
|---|---|
 1906 Gale Model C | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Western Tool Works |
| Production | 1905–1907 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Entry-level car |
| Body style | Roadster |
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
References
- Clymer, Floyd (1950). Treasury of Early American Automobiles, 1877-1925. New York, NY US: Bonanza Books.
- Dluhy, Robert D. (2013). "Part III. Automobile Models by Year". American Automobiles of the Brass Era: Essential Specifications of 4,000+ Gasoline Powered Passenger Cars, 1906-1915, with a Statistical and Historical Overview. Jefferson, NC US: McFarland. ISBN 9780786471362. LCCN 2013033488.
- Georgano, G. N., ed. (1971). "Gale 1904–1910". Encyclopedia of American Automobiles. New York, NY USA: E. P. Dutton. pp. 86–87. ISBN 0-525-097929. LCCN 79147885.
- Sedgwick, Michael (1972) [1962]. "Chapter One The Pioneer Days 1769 – 1904". Early Cars. London, UK: Octopus Books. ISBN 0706400585.