Society of Automotive Historians Journal

Keith Marvin

This is an in-depth study of one of this country's first cars to be marketed, the first 22 being sold to presumably satisfied buyers in 1898. Its authors, Thomas F. Saal, until this year editor of The Bulb Horn, publication of the Veteran Motor Car Club of America, and Winton Authority Bernard J. Golias, an SAH member as well as a member of four other automotive clubs, have left virtually no stone unturned in their compilation of what Winton was all about in its 27 years of existence. But even here, the company survives... as a part of General Motor's Diesel Engine Department. Winton was a part of the automobile market nearly one hundred years ago while others were still building prototypes.

The Winton was noted for its quality over the years, its production peaking at 2,100 cars in 1916, after which Winton figures gradually diminished, dropping from 1,800 to 331 in 1922, the result of the sharp recession of 1921. Even so, it managed to struggle into 1924 when, after completing five cars, it left the automobile industry.

Famous But Forgotten includes, besides an introduction, dedication, and prologue, 18 chapters which cover its history from every angle - marketing, exploits in racing and hill climbing as well as tours, and advertising - But it doesn't end there, as nine appendices fill in additional data, so frequently missing on other similar studies, among them Winton's articles of incorporation, patents, its first 51 buyers, specifications, race results, machine shop machinery, and various addresses of the company over the years.

What makes this book exceptional in this writer's opinion is its accuracy, high level in the quality of its paper - which enhances the quality of its illustrations - and the year-by-year specifications, each year including a photo of one of the cars. Beyond that, the book is written in such a way that its attraction and style tell the story simply but thoroughly, thus making it a joy to read by anyone not otherwise inclined toward automotive history.

The book is an exception in its field, its story interesting and its contribution of existing automotive history great. An the price is right. The buyer gets a great deal for the little in this one.