Caldwell Vapor Cooled Engine Co.

The vapor cooling system of this inverted vertical remains a mystery. A small fan is shown at the base of the engine, being driven from a small belt off the flywheel. The Vapor Mixer at the base states, Patent Applied For, so that precludes a patent search unless one wished to spend several hours searching, with only fair odds for success. Caldwell announced this engine being available in 2, 3, 4, and 6 horsepower models for 1905, but no other information has been found. At the time, it was billed as “The Only Vapor Cooled Engine in the World.”

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history

The Caldwell Vapor Cooled Engine Company holds a unique place in the history of early 20th-century automotive innovation, specifically known for its pioneering advancements in engine cooling technology. Established in Detroit, Michigan, in 1915 by brothers Harold and Benjamin Caldwell, the company quickly gained renown for its revolutionary approach to addressing the challenges of engine overheating.

Harold and Benjamin Caldwell, both skilled engineers with a passion for automotive technology, founded the company with a clear vision: to develop an engine cooling system that would significantly improve the performance and reliability of automobiles. At the time of its founding, the prevalent method of cooling engines was through air-cooling or rudimentary water-cooling systems, which often struggled to maintain optimal operating temperatures, especially under strenuous conditions.

The breakthrough came with the Caldwell brothers’ development of a vapor cooling system, which utilized a combination of water and specialized coolants to efficiently regulate engine temperatures. This innovative approach not only prevented overheating but also enhanced engine efficiency and durability, marking a significant advancement in automotive engineering.

In 1917, the Caldwell Vapor Cooled Engine Company introduced its first commercially successful engine model, equipped with the proprietary vapor cooling system. This engine garnered immediate attention within the automotive industry for its reliability and performance, attracting partnerships with several prominent automakers of the era.

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