Ansted-Lexington was a short-lived premium automobile model produced under the Lexington Motor Company during the early 1920s. Backed by industrialist E.W. Ansted, the car was known for its six-cylinder “Ansted Six” engine, stylish bodywork, and competitive edge in racing.
Though its name faded quickly, the brand represented an ambitious blend of innovation, speed, and strategic expansion during one of the most volatile periods in automotive history.
Key Takeaways
- Ansted-Lexington was a premium model of Lexington Motor Company, introduced in the early 1920s and powered by the advanced “Ansted Six” engine.
- E.W. Ansted acquired Lexington in 1913, boosting its engineering capabilities and leading to peak production of over 6,000 vehicles in 1920.
- The brand achieved racing fame by taking 1st and 2nd place at the 1920 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, showcasing its engine innovation.
- A 1921 patent lawsuit and the post-WWI recession severely damaged the company’s finances, dropping production to around 2,100 units by 1922.
- Lexington and Ansted were placed in receivership in 1923 and later absorbed by E.L. Cord’s Auburn Automobile Company by 1927.
Origins and Early Development
The roots of Ansted-Lexington trace back to 1913, when E.W. Ansted, an engineer and entrepreneur, acquired the Lexington Motor Company of Connersville, Indiana. The acquisition brought Ansted’s engineering expertise into the company, notably through his affiliated Ansted Engineering Company, which began supplying engines for Lexington vehicles.
Lexington quickly evolved into a performance-focused brand, with production ramping up through the 1910s and reaching a peak in 1920. It was during this time that a special luxury variant—the Ansted-Lexington roadster—was introduced as the brand’s flagship offering.
Key People
Several influential figures shaped the trajectory of Ansted-Lexington, from visionary engineers to industry power players whose actions left a lasting impact on the brand’s legacy.
- E.W. Ansted: The driving force behind the brand’s growth, Ansted was responsible for merging engine production with vehicle design, helping position Lexington as a serious competitor in the performance car market.
- John C. Moore: Lexington’s chief engineer, credited with early innovations like a multi-exhaust system that improved engine efficiency and power.
- Alanson P. Brush: Although not affiliated with Lexington, his patent infringement lawsuit in 1921 significantly impacted the company’s finances and public image.
- E.L. Cord: The influential auto executive who eventually absorbed the company into his growing Auburn Automobile Company empire.
Strategic Acquisition and Expansion
While strategic acquisitions were common in the rapidly evolving automotive industry, E.W. Ansted’s approach set a benchmark. You’d witness his bold moves shaping the Lexington Motor Company’s future.
Through a strategic acquisition and subsequent expansion, Ansted created a powerhouse by merging with the Ansted Engineering Company and Connersville Foundry Corporation in 1920. This merger:
- Resulted in a $10 million investment, enhancing production capabilities.
- Expanded facilities to a combined 270,000 square feet by 1919.
- Enabled Lexington to achieve peak production in 1920, with over 6,000 units.
- Positioned Lexington among leading automobile manufacturers.
These strategic moves weren’t just about growth; they were about solidifying Lexington’s market position.
Despite economic challenges later, Ansted’s vision for expansion was undeniable. Like General Motors’ innovations, Ansted’s strategic moves were pivotal in setting industry standards.
Technological Innovations and Achievements
While Lexington produced a number of four- and six-cylinder vehicles throughout the 1910s and early 1920s, the Ansted-Lexington was a luxury six-cylinder roadster, introduced around 1922:
- Ansted Six engine: A powerful OHV inline-six engine, central to the brand’s performance reputation.
- Pikes Peak racers: High-performance Lexington cars—powered by Ansted engines—took 1st and 2nd place in the 1920 Pikes Peak Hill Climb, helping cement the brand’s engineering credibility.
In 1917, Ansted-Lexington introduced a groundbreaking frame design to prevent door jamming, enhancing vehicle functionality. The 1918 hardtop enclosures marked a leap in comfort and protection for passengers.
Racing vehicles from Ansted-Lexington showcased engineering prowess by clinching top and second place at the 1920 Pikes Peak hill climb. The brand’s collaboration with Ansted Engineering Company in 1920 further cemented its role in driving early 20th-century automotive technology forward, setting a foundation for future advancements.
They implemented advanced control systems to optimize vehicle performance dynamically, improving both handling and safety.
Challenges and Market Dynamics
Despite technical promise and early racing success, Ansted-Lexington (and Lexington more broadly) faced several converging challenges:
- Economic downturn: The post-WWI recession in the early 1920s reduced consumer demand for automobiles, especially luxury and performance models.
- Patent lawsuit: In 1921, a suit filed by Alanson P. Brush over engine design placed a significant financial and reputational strain on the company.
- Overextension: Ansted’s aggressive expansion—combining Lexington with the Ansted Engineering Company and the Connersville Foundry—added manufacturing capacity but overleveraged company resources.
- Receivership: By 1923, the company entered receivership. Ansted Engineering was acquired by E.L. Cord in 1926, and Lexington was fully absorbed into Auburn Automobile Company by 1927.
Legacy and Historical Impact
Though short-lived, Ansted-Lexington left a lasting mark on early American automotive history. Its Ansted Six engine set a standard for high-performance inline-six designs, while victories at the 1920 Pikes Peak Hill Climb showcased the brand’s engineering prowess.
Based in Connersville, Indiana, the company contributed to the legacy of the state’s automobile corridor, alongside Auburn, Cord, and Duesenberg. Its swift decline—driven by economic strain and legal challenges—reflects the precarious fate of independent automakers in the volatile 1920s.
