Robert Allison buys first American-built automobile, a Winton

Background. Alexander Winton, a Scottish-American inventor, founded the Winton Motor Carriage Company in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1897. The company was one of the first American manufacturers to sell motor cars. Winton sought to prove his vehicle's durability through endurance runs, which helped overcome public skepticism about the new technology.

The Purchase. Robert Allison, a resident of Port Carbon, Pennsylvania, became the first individual to purchase a Winton automobile. The sale occurred on March 24, 1898, for approximately $1,000. Allison had seen the first automobile advertisement in Scientific American, which prompted his interest in the vehicle.

Historical Significance. Winton was one of the first American companies to sell a motor car, and the sale to Allison followed his seeing the first automobile advertisement in Scientific American. The transaction is recognized as the first sale of an American-built automobile.