Components

In the early days, inventors made machines and assembled motor vehicles individually, a laborious task of love and ingenuity. As the industry grew, there became a need to be able to purchase parts from outside specialists, such as engines, transmissions, radiators, axles, wheels, to name a few. Proprietary components is a term that grew out of the specialist parts supplier. Firms such as Western Mott for axles, Warner for transmissions, Rochester for carburetors, Beaver and Continental for engines, all emerged and grew with the demands of motor vehicle manufacturers. The components and parts industry spread regionally and in small towns where manufacturers would establish themselves and employ local people to run these businesses.

Accessories

In the Brass Era, automobiles were often supplied as a basic running vehicle. Things that would quickly become standard equipment, such as headlights, tail lights, horns, windscreens, speedometers, tachometers, jacks, spare tire equipment, etc., were all dealer options at the point of sale or available mail order. These “add-ons” to enhance your automobile or make it safer were a big part of the fledgling auto market.