The Austin Automobile Co, Grand Rapids, Michigan, operated from 1901 to 1921. It produced an automobile known as The Highway King. In spite of the low output of production, 50 or less units per year, it was something of a pioneer in several ways. The 1902 2-cylinder cars were considerably larger than most other makes of the day. For several years, colors were optional, but most were painted either white with tan trim or light brown. By 1911, the vehicles were equipped with electric lights and left-hand steering. In 1913, the Austins featured a greatly successful two-speed axle, with a wheelbase of up to 142 inches. After 1915, the company tried to market smaller, cheaper cars, but also introduced a 12-cylinder model in 1917, which was made up until production operations ceased. All told, about 1,000 cars were made.
^ "Austin", in G.N. Georgano, ed., The Complete Encyclopedia of Motorcars 1885-1968 (New York: E.P. Dutton and Co., 1974).
