Woods Mobilette
Car : Woods Mobilette
Year : 1914
Engine : 4 cylinders in line
Bore and stroke :65.3×88.9 mm
Cylinder capacity : 1190 cc
Gears : 2 forward
Brake horse power : 12
Maximum speed : 35 mph
Wheelbase : 8 ft 0 ins (2.43 m)
Suspension : front: semi-elliptic leaf- springs; back: elliptic leaf- springs
Woods Mobilette was one of the many firms to prosper in Detroit with the production

of light cyclecars. At on time these vehicles were quite popular because of cheap running

costs and easy handling. The Woods company boasted that its car was the size of a kitchen

table.
After starting life in Chicago, in 1914, it moved to Harvey, Illinois, where a proper

production-line was set up. The 1914 model, priced at $380, was less than 3 feet (1 m)

across, which explains why the two seats were placed in tandem. The two-speed transmission

was of the epicyclic type, with selection lever positioned centrally. The brakes acted on the

rear wheels. It could travel at around 35 mph. The extras included top and windshield ($15)

and acetylene headlights. The rear of the vehicle could be removed to created a surface

suitable for carrying a load.
After 1915 its production resembled more that of higher cylinder capacity cars

(longer wheelbase, 3 forward speed transmission, but still not a standard top), while the

price remained $380. The power of the engine was increased to 22 bhp.
Lights
Even the terminology saw a development here going from ‘lanterns’ to ‘beacons’ and

finally to ‘headlights’. They first appeared on coaches around 1859; the years 1905-1910 saw

acetylene lamps, and in 1912 (Cadillac) headlights as we know them. Other cars very soon

adopted these.
Wheels
The first car wheels were wooden, reinforced with metal and with detachable rims.

Then the metal ‘artillery’ type was developed, and subsequently those metal discs, and light

alloys, Solid tires were replaced by pneumatic rubber tires.