Flint Automobile Company was founded by A. B. C. Hardy in 1901 and went out of business in 1903 after manufacturing only 52 automobiles in the $750–$850 price range.

History

Alexander Brownell Cullen Hardy (1869–1948) began working at Durant-Dort in 1889. By 1895, he was supervising production of the Diamond, a low-cost buggy. In 1898, J. Dallas Dort took a two-year leave of absence from his position as president of Durant-Dort, and Hardy stepped into his place. After Dort's return in 1900, Hardy took his own leave of absence, and while touring Europe discovered the automobile. On his return, he supposedly told Durant to "get out of the carriage business before the automobile ruins you." Although Durant didn't act at the time, Hardy struck out on his own and established Flint's first automotive manufacturer, in 1901. However, the company's Roadster failed to distinguish itself from the popular, lower-priced

Oldsmobile Oldsmobile or formally the Oldsmobile Division of General Motors was a brand of American automobiles, produced for most of its existence by General Motors. Originally established as "Olds Motor Vehicle Company" by Ransom E. Olds in 1897, it produ ...

, and in 1903 the Flint Automobile Company folded. Hardy returned to Durant-Dort and wound up as vice-president of General Motors until his retirement in 1925. Sloan Museum July 2018 14 (1902 Flint Roadster).jpg, 1902 Flint 1903 at London to Brighton VCR 2011 (6323481214).jpg, 1903 Flint 1903 on London to Brighton VCR 2011.jpg, 1903

References

{{reflist Vintage vehicles Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of the United States Motor vehicle manufacturers based in Michigan Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1901 Vehicle manufacturing companies disestablished in 1903 1901 establishments in Michigan 1903 disestablishments in Michigan Companies based in Flint, Michigan Defunct manufacturing companies based in Michigan