Birmingham Automobiles

[Guest]

Hello, My grandfather and some other gentlemen started the Birmingham Automobile Company in the 1920's in either Washington, DC and/or Pittsburgh, PA. I have pictures of my granddad touring the first Miss America around DC in his Birmingham. I also have and information booklet on the car. Has anyone else ever heard or seen one of these cars? I have search on and off for several years trying to find some more information on them, but without any luck. Please contact me at geolocke@earthlink.net if you have any information.<P>-Geo

[Guest BruceW]

George,<P>You might try the AACA Library and Research Center. I have had some great luck with getting information for rare and obscure automobile makes.<P>Contact is :<BR>AACA Library and Research Center<BR>501 WEST GOVERNOR ROAD <BR>P.O. BOX 417<BR>HERSHEY, PA 17033<BR>PHONE: (717) 534-2082

[Guest]

Here is some information on the Birmingham car, taken from the Beaulieu Encyclopedia of the Automobile<P>Birmingham (1921-22)<BR>Birmingham No-Axle Motor Corp, Jamestown NY<BR>The Birmingham was noteworthy for the use of<BR>4 wheel independent suspension by meand of transverse semi-elliptic springs instead of conventional axles.<BR>A Haskelite fabric-covred sedan body further separated the car from conventional designs of the period.<BR>A Continental 7R 6 cyl L-head engine was fitted to the Birmingham, which had a wheelbase of 124 inches (3147 mm).<BR>Despite ardous testing as driving pilot models over a series of railroad ties, the Birmingham failed after approximately 20 cars had been completed.

[Guest]

I had forgoten about the test drives over the railroad ties. I have seen a picture of that also. I did not realize that there were only about 20 made. I suppose that would make it highly unlikely of ever seeing one of these cars in real life. Thanks for the information! <P>-Geo