The Washington Motor Company was an American automobile manufacturer based in Eaton, Ohio and later Middletown, Ohio, that produced the "Washington" automobile between 1921 and 1924.[1]
The company was set up by local Eaton businessman Otto M Shipley, who gained the support of other local business people to provide capital for the venture.[2] The prototype Washington used a Falls X9000 6-cylinder engine, but it was found to use too much oil, and was replaced by a 7R Continental engine for the 1921 Model B tourer.[1] In 1922 the Model C was introduced, which featured a larger 8R Continental engine, and a wider range of body styles - tourer, sport, sedan and California top tourer.[2] Prices ranged from $1785 for the tourer up to $2385 for the sedan.[2] Company slogans included "The Ideal of a Nation" and "Washington - A Name That Stands for Character and Strength".[2]
In 1924 the company moved to Middletown, and commenced work on a steam-powered car, which was identical in styling to the Model C tourer, except for the use of disc instead of artillery wheels.[2] Only three steamers were built before the company went bankrupt in December 1924, due to expending all of its working capital on the new factory.[2] Total Washington production is estimated at between 25 and 60 gasoline powered cars and the three steamers.[1]
