Biddle & Smart was a manufacturer of carriages and then automobile bodies based in Amesbury, Massachusetts. It started as a successful carriage manufacturer before making the transition to auto body manufacturer in 1905.
In 1905, Biddle & Smart became one of the first carriage-makers in Amesbury to begin manufacture of automobile bodies. An early customer was the Club Car Company of New York City and in 1910-11, the firm was the builder of Club’s cars. In 1917 Biddle and Smart purchased the factory of S.R. Bailey & Co., allowing greater production. In the mid-1920s, Biddle & Smart absorbed a number of local auto body manufacturers, Currier Cameron & Co., Hollander & Morrill Body Co., Witham Body Co., T. W. Lane Company, Auto Body & Finishing Co., and Bryant Body Co..
Subject ID: 79293
MoreBiddle & Smart was a manufacturer of carriages and then automobile bodies based in Amesbury, Massachusetts. It started as a successful carriage manufacturer before making the transition to auto body manufacturer in 1905.
In 1905, Biddle & Smart became one of the first carriage-makers in Amesbury to begin manufacture of automobile bodies. An early customer was the Club Car Company of New York City and in 1910-11, the firm was the builder of Club’s cars. In 1917 Biddle and Smart purchased the factory of S.R. Bailey & Co., allowing greater production. In the mid-1920s, Biddle & Smart absorbed a number of local auto body manufacturers, Currier Cameron & Co., Hollander & Morrill Body Co., Witham Body Co., T. W. Lane Company, Auto Body & Finishing Co., and Bryant Body Co..
By the early 1920s customers included Hudson, for whom they began making closed bodies in 1923, and Rolls-Royce. Others were Lincoln, Peerless, Marmon, Mercer, White, Chalmers, Speedwell, and Haynes.
In 1930, Biddle & Smart ceased production after it lost its contract for supply of automobile bodies to Detroit-based Hudson, who switched to providers who were cheaper and themselves based in Detroit.
Subject ID: 79293
Subject ID: 79293