Founded in 1909 in Columbus, Wisconsin, by E.W. Arbogast, the Badger Motor Car Company embodied early 20th-century automotive ambition.
Though the company operated for only two years, it produced a limited run of 237 vehicles—most notably the 1910 Badger Touring Model. Today, its legacy lives on through restoration efforts and its display at the Wisconsin Automotive Museum.
Key Takeaways
- Founded in 1909, the Badger Motor Car Co. was established in Columbus, Wisconsin, by E.W. Arbogast with strong local investment.
- The company produced only 237 vehicles before closing in 1911 due to financial struggles and poor market performance.
- The 1910 Badger Touring Model featured a 4-cylinder, 30-horsepower engine and sold for $1,500, reflecting early handcrafted automobile design.
- A surviving model was discovered in an Ohio field in 1957 and later restored and returned to Columbus for museum display.
- The Wisconsin Automotive Museum now houses the restored Badger Touring, symbolizing the city’s brief but notable role in automotive history.
Origins of the Badger Motor Car Company
With $100,000 raised from local investors, including A.M. Bellack, Charles E. Fowler, and J.R. Wheeler, E.W. Arbogast established the company to manufacture high-powered automobiles.
The first sample car prompted the construction of a dedicated factory, completed by November 1909. By early 1910, production demand required additional storage space, signaling early success and optimism.
Production and Features of the 1910 Badger Touring Model
The 1910 Badger Touring Model was a handcrafted vehicle built for quality and performance. It featured a 4-cylinder engine delivering 30 horsepower and was priced at $1,500.
Distinctive details included the Badger logo on the gas and brake pedals and a unique ignition system. Despite the competitive market, the model represented a well-engineered and stylish entry during the Brass Era of automobiles.
During the company’s brief operation from 1909 to 1911, only 237 vehicles were produced, with the Touring Model as a primary offering.
Despite its short production run, the Badger Touring Model shares a unique place in automotive history, similar to the Volkswagen Beetle in its iconic status and cultural impact.
Challenges and Financial Hurdles Faced by the Company
Despite the craftsmanship of the 1910 Badger Touring Model, the Badger Motor Car Company couldn’t escape financial turmoil that led to its downfall in 1911.
The company faced numerous challenges, primarily poor sales and production limitations, which hindered its ability to compete in the burgeoning automobile market. With only 237 cars manufactured, achieving necessary economies of scale was impossible.
The Discovery and Restoration Journey of the 1910 Badger
In 1957, a surviving 1910 Badger Touring Model was found in an Ohio peach orchard. It was initially restored in California, but later brought back to Columbus by Robert and Alice Swaim, who worked for nearly two decades to return it to its place of origin. Their efforts ensured the car’s preservation for future generations.
Two decades prior to finding the 1910 Badger Touring Model, General Motors became the first car manufacturer to install turn signals in 1939, showcasing their long-standing contribution to vehicle safety and technology advancements.
Return to the Wisconsin Automotive Museum
On January 29, 2019, the restored Badger Touring Model was officially welcomed back to Columbus and placed on display at the Wisconsin Automotive Museum.
Donated anonymously, the vehicle became a focal point of the museum’s collection and a source of civic pride. Its return coincided with the release of a local history calendar celebrating Columbus’s manufacturing heritage.
The Badger’s preservation reflects the community’s dedication to local history. The vehicle is featured in parades and events, further reinforcing its cultural significance. The museum’s broader collection of 118 vehicles highlights Wisconsin’s contributions to American automotive history.
Legacy of the Badger Motor Car Company
Though short-lived, the Badger Motor Car Company left a lasting mark on Wisconsin’s industrial heritage. Its commitment to craftsmanship, reflected in the rare 1910 Touring Model, captured the spirit of early American automotive ambition.
The rediscovery and restoration of the vehicle, now proudly displayed at the Wisconsin Automotive Museum, symbolize a community’s dedication to preserving its past. The Badger’s legacy endures as a tribute to innovation, local pride, and the pioneers who helped shape the nation’s automotive story.
