Clarkmobile
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Frank Clark began to build the Clarkmobile in 1902 and the first model appeared in 1903. On June 6, 1903, the Lansing newspaper ran a story on the 'Unbreakable Clarkmobile', driven by Will Newbrough, and how it survived a bad accident. The Clarkmobile plant was located at 231 S. Grand Avenue. Fire destroyed much of the factory on July 3, 1906.
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The 1903 Clarkmobile was a marvel of innovative features. It had wheel steering, a front end (yes it had a hood) and a peppy little engine. Frank Clark's father, Albert, was unsure about this new fangled form of transportation, so Frank stayed away from the automobile industry until after his father's death. One interesting facet of automotive history is that Clark & Company Carriage Works built the body for the first test car produced by Ransom E. Olds in 1896.
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Frank Clark sold his rights to the Clarkmobile to the New Way Motor Company in 1905. Frank Clark went into business with Claude Furgason and established the Furgason Motor Company to create the next generation motorcar, which would be known as the Clark. Notice that the image (right) clearly states the vehicle was produced by the Clark & Company. Why not the Furgason Motor Company?
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