Forgotten American Car Companies: If you think you know American car history, think again. Beyond Ford, Chevy, and Dodge, the early 1900s was a Wild West of startups, bold ideas and plenty of flops. Dozens of automakers popped up tried something new and vanished often leaving behind only a few dusty photos and quirky stories.
Today, we’re diving into five forgotten American car companies that shaped automotive history in ways most people have never heard of. From wooden axles to early luxury sedans, these brands prove one thing: car culture has always been about innovation, risk, and a little bit of madness.
While You Care for Your Car, Care for Your Child’s Future Too 💖
A fun and educational book every parent should gift their kid.
Get Kiddy Store Fortune Now
1. 1928–1940 Graham-Paige
These were the big-dreaming farm guys.
The Graham brothers transitioned from producing glass bottles to trucks, luxury vehicles, and even indirectly contributed to the development of the Jeep. Their early vehicles used pressurized lubricating systems and hydraulic brakes, which were innovative for the time. Their impetus was unfortunately halted by the Great Depression, and the factory closed by 1940. However, the tale of Jeep might have been much different in the absence of Graham-Paige.
2. E-M-F (1909–1912)
Too much ego and not enough cooperation.
The name stood for Everitt, Metzger, and Flanders—three brilliant minds who should’ve been unstoppable. Instead, they clashed constantly. Their cars were decent, but the Model T was cheaper and better. Customers even joked E-M-F stood for “Every Morning Fix-it.” By 1912, Studebaker absorbed the brand, and E-M-F disappeared into history.
3. Overland (1903–1926, 1939)
The comeback kid.
Overland’s story is pure chaos: circus tent factories, near-bankruptcy, and bold attempts to rival the Model T. Somehow, they survived long enough to become part of Willys-Overland—the company that went on to build the iconic WWII Jeep. Not bad for a company that started with two guys who barely knew how to build cars.
4. Autocar (1901–1912)
Ahead of its time.
Founded in Pennsylvania, Autocar was an innovator. Instead of chain drives, they used shaft drives, which became standard later. They built high-quality cars but soon shifted their focus entirely to trucks and commercial vehicles. While their passenger cars are long gone, Autocar trucks are still around today a rare survivor from the earliest days of motoring.
5. Brush (1907–1912)
Wooden frames and stubborn ideas.
Yes, you read that right: Brush cars used wooden axles and frames made of oak, hickory, and maple. Founder Alanson Brush believed his design was “perfection.” The cars were quirky, but when his brother took over, the company collapsed. Still, Brush’s oddball ideas make these cars unforgettable to collectors today.
Why These Ignored Automakers Are Still Important
Even though these companies are no longer in business they set the stage for contemporary innovation. They demonstrate that the auto business has always been about pushing boundary from the first luxury features to the most outrageous design experiment. Remember this the next time you see a Jeep or a vintage Studebaker there are many untold tales like these throughout history.
FAQ’s
Q1: Why did so many American car companies fail in the early 1900s?
A: Because the industry was brand new competition was fierce, and many startups didn’t have the money or production power to survive long term. The Great Depression also wiped out dozens of automakers.
Q2: Are any of these forgotten brands collectible today?
A: Yes Car from Graham-Paige, Overland or Brush are extremely rare and sought after at auctions. They’re prized more for their historical value than for practicality.
Q3: What’s the rarest of these forgotten car brands?
A: Brush cars are among the rarest especially because of their unique wooden construction. Very few have survived over a century.
Also Read: 5 Iconic Cars Discontinued in 2026 That We’ll Seriously Miss