If These Cars Could Talk: 1909 Mitchell

Join us for an in-depth look at the many automobiles in our collection and discover their part in our history. If These Cars Could Talk is a monthly program offered by museum staff for free to the public on the first Saturday of each month.

The Mitchell Motor Car Company started in 1904 in Racine, Wisconsin, with experimental models built in 1903. It was amongst the earliest car companies to build four-cylinder engines starting in 1907 and offered six-cylinder engines in 1910. The Mitchell was a regional competitor to the Auburn Automobile Company with similar build quality, engine output, and high-end price-range. Production of Mitchells in 1909 was 2,946 automobiles, and the 1909 line included the 20 horsepower Model J two-passenger runabout, the 30 horsepower Model K touring, and the 40 horsepower Model L, available in 7-passenger touring and 5-passenger limousine bodies. The earliest Mitchells are the rarest, with this Model K touring car being one of just four known to exist. The Mitchell Motor Car Company filed for bankruptcy in 1923 and was sold to the Nash Motors Company of Kenosha, Wisconsin.

This presentation will be held in the museum galleries next to the car from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm on Saturday, March 5, 2022 and is offered to all patrons for free with museum admission. For more information, including the specific location of the presentation, please call ahead at 260-925-1444 or see an associate at the admission desk.