1912 Empire Runabout

1909-1912 Empire Motor Car Company, Indianapolis, Indiana.
1912-1914 Greenville Metal Products, Greenville, Pennsylvania.
1914-1915 Connersville Wheel Company, Connersville, Indiana.
1915-1919 Empire Automobile Company, Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Empire began life as a neat looking 20hp 4 cylinder car made only in 2 seater form, as a roadster or speedster, and dubbed The Little Aristocrat. The men behind the company included Arthur Newby, president of National and Carl Fisher, founder of Prest-O-Lite starters. They were also the leading lights behind the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the first Empire off the line was also the first car to be driven on the new brick circuit. Unfortunately the directors were so busy promoting the circuit and trying to make it pay, that the Empire was neglected. It received a new lease of life when new owners transferred production to Greenville, Pennsylvania, in the factory of Greenville Metal Products. Its president was Frank Fay, and in his honour the Empire 20 was named the Fay. There was a larger car with 25hp Teetor engine and 5 seater tourer body which still bore the Empire name.
In 1914 Empire was on the move again, to Greenville, Indiana, and finally back to Indianapolis, though to a different factory from the first one, which was now devoted to making Prest-O-Lite starters. The 1916 range included a six for the first time, with a 25hp Continental engine, which carried 7 seater touring bodywork and a 7 seater sedan in 1917. The last year for the Empire was 1919, when 191 cars were made. Total production was 4,834 cars.