The Lexington Automobile: A Complete History [Hardcover]

Richard A. Stanley (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786425423 | ISBN-13: 978-0786425426 | Publication Date: January 11, 2007

Lexington, a smaller marque that twice won the famous hill climb at Pikes Peak, produced its first car in 1909 in its namesake city of Lexington, Kentucky. Although little has heretofore been written about the Lexington, and no company financial records survive, the manufacturer's story is fascinating and unique. Lexington, for example, was a leader in the use of color in magazine advertising and factory literature, and the company used advertisements to support contemporary issues like women's suffrage. Paralleling manufacturing trends of today, Lexington relocated to Connersville, Indiana, in 1910, with promised municipal perks such as new, advanced facilities, free water, and no local taxes for five years. From incorporation to financial insolvency in 1926, this is the first book to offer the complete story of the Lexington Motor Company as well as the related Howard and Ansted cars. Detailing company history within the context of the American industrial revolution, it follows the upstart manufacturer from initial choice of property, factory design and name selection, through relocation, World War I, ventures into auto racing, and finally a takeover by Auburn in 1927. It also offers detailed automotive specifications and options, and includes information on surviving Lexingtons. This comprehensive text includes over 240 photographs depicting the communities, cars and people associated with the Lexington.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Retired school administrator and teacher Richard A. Stanley is curator of the Fayette County Historical Museum in Connersville, Indiana. He lives in Connersville.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 263 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (January 11, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786425423
• ISBN-13: 978-0786425426
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,476,914 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #71 in Books > Travel > United States > States > Kentucky

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars History of the Lexington, March 16, 2007

By 

David B. Ansted - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Lexington Automobile: A Complete History (Hardcover)

I thought this book was very well researched and accurate. I learned some things I had never heard before about the car and also the Ansted family of which I am a member, being E.W. Ansted's Great Great Grandson. Having been born in Connersville,Indiana in 1937 it also gave me a feeling of what things were like in the early 1900's.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Lexington Automobile: A Complete History, August 11, 2007

By 

Arnold Koppens (New Zealand) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Lexington Automobile: A Complete History (Hardcover)

After having owned a Lexington for 30 years and not being able to restore the car until I found the lexington history book. The research and dedication that the author Richard Stanley has put into the book is highly commended. For this I am forever grateful.