Grabowsky Power Wagon (Detroit, Michigan)

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In 1900, brothers Max and Morris Grabowsky formed Grabowsky Motor Vehicle to build a commercial truck prototype. After further experimentation they formed Rapid Motor Vehicle in 1902 to produce the Rapid Truck. Reorganized in 1904 and 1905, the company built commercial vehicles at The Pontiac Spring and Wagon Works until 1905 when a 35,000 sq. ft. factory was erected on Rapid Street in Pontiac

The company was acquired by General Motors in 1908 and Max Grabowsky resigned to establish a new truck manufacturing venture. A small factory was established at 112 Champlain Street. In 1910-11 a new four story Albert Kahn designed factory building was constructed at 1801 Mt Elliott Street. By 1913 the company failed and the Edward G. Budd Company of Philadelphia acquired the 135,000 sq. ft., and 8 1/2 acre Mt Elliot Street property and the Champlain Street building was acquired by the neighboring Maxwell Motor Company. That same year, Budd sold the factory to Peter Smith Heater maker of heaters for trolley and railway cars

digitalcollections.detroitpubliclibrary.org/islandora/o...
www.cca.qc.ca/en/search/details/collection/object/13988