Thursday 28th October 1909

The Elmore Manufacturing Company was incorporated in Ohio, US, although it had been producing Elmore automobiles since 1900. The company took its name from its original place of manufacture, the nearby village of Elmore. Founded by Harmon Von Vechten Becker and his two sons, James and Burton, the Elmore used a 2-stroke engine design, in straight twin or single-cylinder versions. They later produced a straight-3 as well. In 1908, Elmore’s three-cylinder two-stroke caught the attention of William C. Durant, founder of General Motors. He purchased the company the following year, with Elmore becoming one of General Motors’ divisions. After Durant was forced out of General Motors in 1910, the Elmore marque was soon cut, along with several other underperforming brands, to help General Motors achieve financial stability.