| Object ID |
1982.60 |
| Object Name |
Automobile |
| Early Date |
1924 |
| Late Date |
1925 |
| Made By |
Karl Hamlin Martin |
| Description |
Karl Martin realized an ambition of long standing when he produced the first Wasp touring car which was the culmination of a design and engineering experience that began when Martin became a professional designer and builder of automobile coach-work in 1912. Even while serving in the Naval Aviation Department during World War I, Martin pursued automotive design work and after his discharge from the Navy in 1919, he moved to Bennington where he began construction of the first group of six cars.
The first Wasp, barely completed in time of National Automobile Week in New York, was exhibited at the Commodore Hotel in January, 1920. It was received by the public with enthusiasm for its startling and unusual design and fine craftsmanship. Douglas Fairbanks Sr., upon seeing the car, bought it on the spot.
Spectacular in appearance, the Wasp was constructed of the finest materials and components available. A Wisconsin T head engine, such as powered the Stutz with a Bosch ignition, powered the car. A chrome nickel, heat treated frame on Timkin axles combined with Rudge Whitworth wire wheels gave the car strength, stability and speed. For the 1924 season a Continental six-cylinder engine of greater power was combined with a four speed transmission with overdrive which, on the fourth Speed, gave the car quietness and smoothness at even higher speeds.. The coachwork was crafted in Bennington under the careful, direct supervision of Karl Martin.
As a result of monetary problems and slow sales due to a post war business slump, the company failed and the last Wasp, now displayed in The Bennington Museum, was produced in 1925. Although the company lingered on, producing custom woodwork and special castings, its doors closed permanently in 1932, a sad end to Vermont's first true automobile manufacturing company, the total production of which was only 16 cars. While only a small number when compared to the giants of the industry, it is quite creditable considering that many companies produced only one or two cars.
|
| Credit |
Gift of Henry Dodge |
|
