![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b2/Henry_Middlebrook_Crane%252C_1924.jpg/640px-Henry_Middlebrook_Crane%252C_1924.jpg&w=640&q=50)
Henry M. Crane
American automotive engineer (1874–1856) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Henry Middlebrook Crane (June 16, 1874 – January 21, 1956) was an American engineer and pioneer in the automobile industry.[1][2] He was the president of Crane Motor Car Company, vice president of engineering for the Simplex Automobile Company, and designed the Pontiac Six motor for General Motors.[1][3]
Henry M. Crane | |
---|---|
![]() Henry M. Crane, 1924 | |
Born | Henry Middlebrook Crane (1874-06-16)June 16, 1874 New York City, New York, U.S. |
Died | January 21, 1956(1956-01-21) (aged 81) New York City, New York, U.S. |
Education | Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Occupation(s) | Mechanical Engineer Aeronautical Engineer Electrical Engineer Marine Engineer Automobile executive |
Employer(s) | American Bell Telephone. Western Electric Crane & Whitman Crane Motor Car Company Simplex Automobile Company Crane-Simplex Wright-Martin Aircraft Corporation Wright Aeronautical Corporation General Motors |
Known for | Pontiac Six engine Crane-Simplex cars Dixie speedboat engines |
Crame also designed speedboat motors for three American Power Boat Association Gold Cup champions and three Harmsworth Cup winners.[4] During World War I, he designed and oversaw the production of airplane engines for Wright-Martin which were used by both French and United States warplanes.[2] He also chaired the Liberty Engine Test Committee and helped create Loening Aeronautical Engineering Corporation, which developed and manufactured fighter planes.[5][2]
In its 1924 silver anniversary issue, the Automobile Trade Journal selected Crane as one of the "Creative Workers" who played a significant role in the development and advancement of the automobile.[6]