Brand: Selden

The Selden Motor Vehicle Company

The Selden Motor Vehicle Company was an early American automobile manufacturer that was founded in 1906 by George Baldwin Selden. The company was based in Rochester, New York and produced a limited number of automobiles from 1909 to 1914.

Selden was best known for obtaining a patent on the gasoline-powered automobile in 1895, which gave him the exclusive right to produce and sell automobiles in the United States. However, his patent was later challenged by other manufacturers, including Henry Ford, who argued that the technology was not unique enough to warrant a patent.

Despite this legal challenge, Selden continued to work on developing his own automobiles and eventually formed the Selden Motor Vehicle Company. The company produced a line of high-end luxury cars that were marketed to wealthy consumers.

However, the company struggled financially and was unable to compete with larger, more established automakers such as Ford and General Motors. By 1914, the company had ceased production and Selden had turned his attention to other ventures.

Although the Selden Motor Vehicle Company was not a commercial success, George Baldwin Selden's contribution to the development of the automobile industry cannot be overstated. His patent on the gasoline-powered automobile helped to establish the legal framework for the industry and paved the way for the mass production of automobiles that would revolutionize transportation in the 20th century.