The history of the automobile industry runs deep in Western and Central New York. While automobile parts plants still employ many workers in the region, the area was once a hotbed for car company headquarters and manufacturing facilities.

Take a drive down memory lane and get to know a few of the once prominent car makers that called Western and Central New York home. Some were trendsetters, some were big money makers and others will be best remembered for their contributions to pop culture.

BUFFALO

The Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company
In the early 1900s, Buffalo was home to one of the biggest luxury auto brands in the world. Originally operating as the George N. Pierce Company from 1901 to 1908, the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company manufactured vehicles in Buffalo until 1938. 

Known for its distinctive headlights that were molded into the front fenders of the car, Pierce-Arrow cars were status symbols for the elite of that time. Everyone from Babe Ruth to Orville Wright to US presidents William Taft and Woodrow Wilson were Pierce-Arrow owners.

After achieving great success and acclaim in the 1920s and early 30s, the Pierce-Arrow company was rocked by the Great Depression. Despite forays into camper-trailers, motorcycles, bicycles and trucks to complement its luxury cars, Pierce-Arrow closed its doors in 1938.

Pierce-Arrow's history can be explored at the Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum in Buffalo.

Playboy
This obscure car company had an extremely limited run with just 99 cars manufactured out of their Buffalo facility during the Playboy Automobile Company's lifespan of 1947-1951. Playboy produced inexpensive compact vehicles aimed at post-World War II auto buyers.

According to Playboymotorcars.com, there are only 51 Playboy cars known to exist today, one of which is on permanent display at the Pierce-Arrow Museum. And yes, Playboy magazine's Hugh Hefner was inspired by the car company when naming his publication, according to the website.

ROCHESTER

Selden
George Selden of Rochester was granted the patent for the gasoline automobile engine and its use in a 4-wheeled car in 1895. For a time, Selden made a royalty on every gas engine car registered by the Association of Licensed Automobile Manufactures. But in the early 1900s, Henry Ford and other auto company executives challenged Selden's patent, eventually ending the patent in 1911.

The lawsuit was major news at the time, and its results had a significant impact on the future of the auto industry. Less commonly remembered is the Selden Motor Vehicle Company, which produced cars from 1909 through 1912 before refocusing on producing trucks. The company would be sold to Bethlehem Truck Company in 1930.

Cunningham
The Cunningham automobile company produced highly detailed luxury vehicles from 1896 to 1931 at their Rochester plant. Cunningham's weren't just expensive, they were among the highest performing vehicles of their era, topping out at 98 mph!

The Cunningham company would transition to a mechanical parts maker after shutting down its vehicle production. Cunningham was eventually absorbed by the Gleason corporation, which still operates in Rochester today. 

About 80 Cunningham cars exist today, including a 1920 model owned by Jay Leno, which Leno showed off during an episode of Jay Leno's Garage in 2012. 

SYRACUSE

Franklin
After finding success in machine die-casting, Herbert H. Franklin founded Franklin automobile in Syracuse in 1901. Franklin innovated the air-cooled engine and focused on simple to operate, lightweight vehicles. By 1915, some Franklin models could go as fast as 65 mph and get up to 32 miles per gallon.

Franklin gained a reputation as a comfortable luxury car maker, producing 14,000 vehicles during its peak in 1929. The company was the first to introduce a 4-cylinder engine, the first 6-cycle engine and the first constant level carburetor along with many other innovations.

Like other high end car companies, Franklin was hit hard by the Great Depression, filing for bankruptcy in 1934.

Zimmer
The most modern auto maker on our list is also one of the most unique. The Zimmer Motorcars Corporation was founded in Syracuse in 1978, producing vehicles with a retro aesthetic that harkens back to the pre-World War II era of the other manufactures on this list.

The flashy Golden Spirit (built on a Ford Mustang chassis) and the sporty Quicksilver (based on the Pontiac Fiero) helped propel Zimmer Motorcars to an annual revenue on $25 million in the 1980s. Unfortunately, parent company the Zimmer Corporation went bankrupt in 1988, taking down Zimmer Motorcars with it.

The company was purchased in 1997, and it continues to produce a limited line of vehicles out of its Jamesville, NY headquarters.

Whether you have a locally produced classic car or a more modern vehicle in your driveway, AAA's Approved Auto Repair Facility Locator will help you find the best service and value available. 

Get started now