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"Wayne Smith Auto Co., front." Mr. Smith went to Washington, and built this dealership at the corner of M and 22nd. A street view of the building shortly after its completion in 1920. National Photo Company glass negative. View full size.
I have never before seen Haynes as being credited with being America's first car.
This honor goes to Duryea who by the close of 1896 had produced 13 automobiles (along with several prototypes), won a race in Chicago in 1895, and also the inaugural London to Brighton Run in 1896.
According to wikipedia, Haynes only produced five cars in 1898 (the first year of production shown).
The first Duryea is from 1892/1893 while the first Haynes is from 1894.
While similar in appearance this is not the building that became the Biograph Theater which is actually about 6 blocks west on M street from where this building once stood.
This building later became the Biograph theater, showing old movies and art films. Went out of business with the advent of the VCR.
There is a man bent over in the front office (window on the left).
The 1920 Haynes 12-cylinder, 4-door roadster was listed at $3250. That's more than 37,000 2011 dollars. Wayne Smith would have had to look for another line in a few years, though, since Haynes went out of business in 1924.
Sorry, I couldn't resist the rhyme!
Doesn't it say "America's First Car," not "Finest"?
[Oops. Fixed! - Dave]
Not only America's finest, but also its first.
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