The Union automobile was based on Lambert's "horseless carriage" gasoline buggy. It had four wheels instead of his 1891 three wheeled version. The automobile was made by the Union Automobile Company from 1902 through 1905. There were about three hundred Union automobiles made all total.[1]
The Union automobile had an eight-horsepower two-cylinder, four cycle, double opposed cylinder gasoline engine. The engine was available in either an air-cooled version or a water-cooled version. The transmission was of the friction type and the final drive by double chain. The body style was a two-seater with a folding collapsible front seat to carry two more passengers,[2] which enabled it to be converted into a four passenger automobile.[3]
The Union automobile had an experimental model in 1898 and 1901. It was manufactured in Union City, Indiana from parts made in Anderson, Indiana. The first friction disk-drive gearless transmission rear-engine automobile, as designed by Lambert, was in full production in 1902. The motor for the automobile was a pair of opposed 6 x 4 inch cylinders, far in front, crosswise, side chains to rear drivers. This was quickly followed by a second friction driven model, same motor placed crosswise in extreme rear of car.[1]
The Union automobile had a gasoline tank that was built in the back of the seat hidden from sight. It has a capacity sufficient to run the automobile about 125 miles. The engine was water cooled with a circulating pump, driven by a gear from the cam shaft. There was a large radiator coil provided. The electric current for ignition was supplied by dry batteries for starting. A generator was used in normal operation. The automobile was equipped with 34 inch pneumatic tires. Kerosene oil lamps were furnished it came with enameled sheet steel mud guards.[3]
The Union automobile had a special hand brake controlled by the left foot. The friction disk-drive transmission made an emergency brake, being operated by throwing it in the reverse position. The operator controlled the steering wheel with his right hand and the speed changing lever with his left hand. The speed of the motor could be varied from 150 revolutions per minute to over 1,500 revolutions per minute. This variation of speed of the motor, in addition to the variable speed from the transmission, allowed a wide range of speed for the Union automobile.[3] The transmission was enclosed in a dustproof casing and run in oil. One lever controlled two forward speeds and one reverse. The high speed was 20 miles per hour.[4]