1905 Cameron 4 Cylinder

• YEAR: 1905
• MAKE: Cameron Motor Car Com­pany
• MODEL: 4-Cylinder
• MANU­FACTURER: James W. Brown Com­pany
• MANUFACTURED: Pawtucket, RI
• ENGINE: 4-Cylinder Air-Cooled
• HP: 20
• TRANSMISSION: Patented Three-Speed Rear-Axle-Mounted Gearbox
• SUSPENSION: Elastic Spring, Large Wheels
• TOP SPEED: 45 MPH
• FUEL ECONOMY: 25 MPG
• VIN: R4006VA
• TITLE: US

Everett S. Cameron founded the Cameron Automobile Com­pany in 1899 in Mass­achu­setts, producing vehicles from 1903 to 1914 and sporadically between 1916 and 1920. His first cars were steam-powered, but once funding was acquired, he began producing internal combustion, air-cooled vehicles and went on to produce trucks, tractors, and even boats in addition to cars. Cameron cars set industry standards with their innovation, including left-side steering wheels and front-mounted, air-cooled engines.

Cameron employed the James W. Brown Com­pany of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, to produce their first single-cylinder vehicles, and in 1904, added two-, three-, and finally four-cylinder cars to the selection. The Cameron automobiles began garnering attention, even setting world records. In 1906, the Cameron Com­pany relocated back to Mass­achu­setts, opened a plant, and began establishing branch locations, introducing a revolutionary rear-mounted gearbox. They continued expanding until World War I cost them their financial backing, but experienced several rebirths, eventually producing tractors.

This four-cylinder Cameron was produced by the James W. Brown Com­pany right here in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in 1905 and was known for its lightweight design and three-speed transmission. This rare and wonderfully running car has undergone a meticulous and correct restoration, one of the few surviving examples of the work of Cameron & Brown.

It was featured in the Air-Cooled: Keep It Simple exhibit at the Audrain Automobile Mu­seum in New­port, Rhode Island, in 2025. They share that it is, “One of two of the Model 9 known to survive.” Manufactured by the James W. Brown Com­pany right here in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, Audrain also highlights that the “air-cooled combustion engine has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Initially, liquid-cooled engines were the norm, but air-cooled designs gained popularity due to their simplicity and reliability.” They also note the 20-horsepower, patented three-speed rear-axle-mounted gearbox transmission, elastic spring suspension, and 45-mile-per-hour top speed on this unique vehicle.

Audrain Automobile Museum

Air-Cooled: Keep It Simple

Exhibition available for viewing March 22 through July 13, 2025

“The air-cooled combustion engine has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Initially, liquid-cooled engines were the norm, but air-cooled designs gained popularity due to their simplicity and reliability. The first successful air-cooled engine was developed by German engin­eer Karl Benz in the late 1800s, then further refined through the 1920s and 1930s. Notably, the Volkswagen Beetle, introduced in 1938, featured an air-cooled engine, contributing to its widespread success. These engines were favored in motor­cycles, small vehicles, and aircrafts due to their lighter weight and reduced maintenance needs, though liquid cooling eventually became dominant as complexity and horsepower increased.”

“One of two of the Model 9 known to survive.

In 1908 Cameron introduced four models of the 20hp 4-cylinder car, this accommodates four passengers for $1100, still with air-cooling and a round bonnet much like the contemporary Franklin Car Com­pany. The patented gearbox mounted on the rear axle, a feature that was retained until the end of Cameron production in 1920.

Few cars have had so many changes of address and com­pany organization as the Cameron. Built by the United Motor Co, Pawtucket, R.I., 1902 – 1903, and the James Brown Machine Corp, Pawtucket, R.I., 1903 – 1904. During the Rhode Island period, it began as a light two-seater powered by a 6hp single-cylinder air-cooled engine using a shaft drive.

In 1905, the Cameron Car Co. was established in Brockton, MA, producing larger vehicles equipped with 2- or 3- cylinder air-cooled engines generating up to 12hp. Manu­fact­uring was moved to Brockton, MA and New London, CT in 1905 – 1908, then moved to Beverly MA and continuing in New London in 1908- 1912.

A Cameron six-cylinder was built for a short time in the New London factory, and in 1913 came the first Cameron cars with water-cooled engines. Apart from the position of the gearbox, the later Cameron cars were conventional cars, though the 1917 Cameron models added adjustable cantilever suspension. The Stamford factory was bought in 1917, and a 6-cylinder car was built in small numbers until 1921.”

Awarded “Best in Show” at the Bay State Motor Festival in Framingham, Massachusetts, on June 21st, 2026.

-Audrain Automobile Mu­seum, New­port, Rhode Island

See The 1905 Cameron 4-Cylinder at Audrain Automobile Museum's Air-Cooled: Keep It Simple Exhibit (3 minute video)

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