The Locomobile Company of America was a pioneering American automobile manufacturer founded in 1899, and known for its dedication to precision before the assembly-line era. It was one of the earliest car manufacturers in the advent of the automobile age. For the first two years after its founding, the company was located in Watertown, Massachusetts.

Locomobile logo.
Locomobile logo.

Production was transferred to Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1900, where it remained until the company’s demise in 1929. The company manufactured affordable, small steam cars until 1903, when production switched entirely to internal combustion-powered luxury automobiles. Locomobile was taken over in 1922 by Durant Motors and eventually went out of business in 1929. All cars ever produced by the original company were always sold under the brand name Locomobile.

The Locomobile Company of America was founded in 1899, the name coined from “locomotive” and “automobile”. Locomobile began by producing steam cars. More than 4,000 were built between 1899 and 1902.

In 1901, Locomobile offered seven body styles at prices between $600 (equivalent to $21,106 in 2022) and $1,400 (equivalent to $49,246 in 2022). The 1904 internal combustion Locomobile Touring car had a tonneau and space for five passengers.

Locomobile production ended in 1929.

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Locomobile logos.
Locomobile logos.
Locomobile emblem. (source: John Lloyd)
Locomobile emblem. (source: John Lloyd)
Suitcases stored in compartment on running board of 1914 Locomobile car. (source: National Automotive History Collection, Detroit Public Library)
Suitcases stored in compartment on running board of 1914 Locomobile car. (source: National Automotive History Collection, Detroit Public Library)
Locomobile, Southwest Corner 20th St. Jenney, Mundie & Jensen, Architects. (source: Chicagology).
Locomobile, Southwest Corner 20th St. Jenney, Mundie & Jensen, Architects. (source: Chicagology).
Locomobile masthead (1899).
Locomobile masthead (1899).
1904 Locomobile gasoline touring car ad.
1904 Locomobile gasoline touring car ad.
1911 Locomobile ad.
1911 Locomobile ad.