Produced between 1902 and 1906 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the Cannon automobile was the flagship creation of the Burtt Manufacturing Company. Despite its short-lived production, it stood out during the Brass Era for its engineering ambition, upscale pricing, and model variety.
With engine outputs ranging from 7 to 50 horsepower, the Cannon catered to affluent motorists of the early 20th century. Today, its rarity and advanced specifications make it a prized collectible.
Key Takeaways
- Short Production Period (1902–1906): The Cannon automobile was produced in limited numbers by the Burtt Manufacturing Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan, between 1902 and 1906, making it a rare veteran-era car.
- Diverse Model Range: Cannon offered multiple configurations—including runabouts and tonneau-bodied touring cars—with one-, two-, and four-cylinder engines ranging from 7 to 50 horsepower.
- Engineering Innovation: Vehicles were known for their long wheelbases (up to 305 cm), use of side- and rear-entrance tonneau styles, and higher-than-average engine outputs for the time.
- Prestige Pricing: Some Cannon models, especially those with 4-cylinder engines and long wheelbases, were priced as high as $4,000—a significant sum in the early 1900s—positioning them as premium offerings.
- Rare Survivors: Due to the company’s short lifespan and small production runs, surviving Cannon automobiles are considered extremely rare and valuable among collectors of Brass Era and veteran cars.
The Birth of the Cannon Automobile
Founded in Kalamazoo, the Burtt Manufacturing Company launched the Cannon as part of the rapidly evolving American automotive market.
In a time when most manufacturers offered modest runabouts, the Cannon line was ambitiously upscale. Buyers could choose from a range of body types—including runabouts, tonneau-bodied touring cars, and delivery wagons—with 1-, 2-, or 4-cylinder engines.
Its early emphasis on luxury, performance, and mechanical sophistication positioned the Cannon above many contemporaries, though the company lacked the scale for mass production.
Tonneau-Style Design and Features
Distinctive for its high seating position, the Cannon provided passengers with a panoramic view, ideal for open-air motoring—a popular experience at the time. The rear compartment featured spacious seating, accommodating multiple passengers and making the vehicle well-suited for family travel or social excursions.
The vehicle also showcased ornate brass fittings, which were not merely decorative but served as symbols of mechanical sophistication during the early 20th century. These details reinforced the Cannon’s appeal among middle-class buyers seeking both elegance and utility.
Engineering and Technological Innovations
What distinguished the Cannon vehicles were their wide engine range and unusually long wheelbases, which extended up to 305 cm (120 inches). Most models featured:
- Chain or shaft drive
- Rear- and side-entrance tonneau body styles
- Horsepower from 7 to 50, depending on engine type
- Air-cooled or water-cooled motors
These cars were technically advanced for their time, targeting drivers who desired not just mobility but status and reliability.
The Role of Burtt Manufacturing
The Burtt Manufacturing Company, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, played a pivotal role in the development of the Cannon automobile during the early 20th century. Active between 1902 and 1906, Burtt was among a wave of small, innovative firms contributing to the burgeoning American auto industry during the Brass Era.
Originally a machine shop and fabrication firm, Burtt Manufacturing leveraged its mechanical expertise to enter the automotive market with the Cannon—a tonneau-bodied motor car that emphasized comfort, style, and mechanical reliability.
The company applied contemporary engineering techniques and experimented with lightweight construction, aligning with the evolving expectations of personal transportation.
Burtt Manufacturing’s endeavors coincided with Henry Ford’s mass production innovations, which transformed the automotive industry by making vehicles more accessible to the general public.
Market Challenges and Triumphs
Cannon automobiles were positioned in the luxury bracket, with pricing reaching up to $4,000 USD for top-tier models. To put this in perspective, that figure could buy several Ford runabouts at the time.
This strategy emphasized exclusivity over mass appeal, offering high performance and comfort at a premium cost—yet it also limited broader market penetration.
Inspired by early innovations and military applications of off-road vehicles, manufacturers like Burtt sought to capture the evolving market, but faced significant challenges.
Legacy of the Cannon Automobile
| Year | Key Development |
|---|---|
| 1902 | Burtt Manufacturing introduces the Cannon brand with single-cylinder runabouts |
| 1903 | Expansion to 2-cylinder and 4-cylinder engine offerings |
| 1904 | Long-wheelbase models launched, featuring side-entrance tonneau bodies |
| 1905 | Power increased to 50 hp in top-tier 4-cylinder models |
| 1906 | Production ceases; Burtt Manufacturing exits the automobile business |
Though production lasted just four years, the Cannon automobile represents a high-water mark in early American auto design. It stands today as a reminder of the diversity and experimentation that defined the pre-Model T era.
Due to their limited production, Cannon vehicles are extremely rare, with few—if any—known to survive intact. Their historical and mechanical value makes them of high interest to collectors and automotive historians.
