Sidney New York Hatfield Speedster Model B Automobile Real Photo Postcard Trade Card
The Hatfield Speedster Model B, produced by the Cortland Cart & Carriage Co. of Sidney, New York, represents an early example of American automobile manufacturing during the burgeoning automotive industry of the 1910s. Originally a maker of horse-drawn vehicles, Cortland transitioned to automobiles, introducing the Hatfield line around 1911. The "speedster" body style, characterized by its lightweight, open two-seater design, was popular among enthusiasts seeking performance and a sporty appearance in an era of nascent road racing and leisure driving.
This period marked a significant shift from localized carriage production to mechanized personal transport, with many smaller firms like Cortland attempting to enter the competitive automotive market. Priced at $875 F. O. B. Sidney, the Model B offered a relatively accessible option for consumers desiring a more dynamic driving experience than standard touring cars. The Hatfield brand, though ultimately short-lived, illustrates the entrepreneurial spirit and rapid evolution within the American automobile sector before market consolidation in the mid-20th century.
This period marked a significant shift from localized carriage production to mechanized personal transport, with many smaller firms like Cortland attempting to enter the competitive automotive market. Priced at $875 F. O. B. Sidney, the Model B offered a relatively accessible option for consumers desiring a more dynamic driving experience than standard touring cars. The Hatfield brand, though ultimately short-lived, illustrates the entrepreneurial spirit and rapid evolution within the American automobile sector before market consolidation in the mid-20th century.
