Car History 4U
History of Jitsuyo Jidosha Seizo Motor Cars / Automobiles Print E-mail
  • 8.11.6.  Jitsuyo Jidosha Seizo

    • In 1918 William Gorham, an American, designed an 880 cc 7.2 hp (5.4 kW), two-cylinder three-wheeler. The prototype was produced in 1918.

    • The Jitsuyo Jidosha Seizo Company was established in 1919 to manufacture Gorham’s three-wheeled cars, production of which started in 1920. How many were built and for how long? Till 1922?

    • Using the same 880 cc engine, a four-wheeler version was produced between 1922 and 1923. The “Gorham 4-Wheeler” used a tiller steering system. The car’s name was changed to “Lila” in about 1923. How many were built?  

    • Gorham’s wife was called Lila.

    • In 1923 the company produced the Lila JC model. It was fitted with a four-cylinder, air cooled, 850 cc 10 hp (7.5 kW) engine. How many were built and for how long? Until 1926?

    • A four door (1924) and a roadster version (when?) that used the JC model’s chassis and 850 cc engine were also produced. How many of each type were built and for how long? Until 1926? 

    • The Jitsuyo Jidosha Seizo Company merged with the DAT Motorcar Company in 1926 to
      form
      the DAT Automobile Manufacturing Company.
        

    • See Section 8.11.3 (Datsun). 
 
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