Alexander Winton driving a Winton automobile

Alexander Winton (1860-1932) was a Scottish-born American and pioneer automobile manufacturer, seen here driving his Winton automobile. He settled in Cleveland, Ohio, and started the Winton Motor Carriage Company in 1897, with his automobile credited as the first commercial sale of automobile in the United States. He patented over one hundred designs and even gave Henry Ford access to his steering designs before a race. Ford and his assembly line out-produced Winton's custom-made cars and put him out of business in 1924. Winton eventually focused purely on engine design, and his Winton Engine Company was bought by General Motors in 1930. He died in Cleveland, Ohio