1911 T-Shirts
Description: The Flying Merkel is without question among the most notable early American motorcycles ever made. From his original shop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1902, Joseph proved to be an innovator, developing industry firsts that still influence motorcycles made today. Always considered a premium quality motorcycle, Merkel Company wasn't focused on mass market bikes, rather enthusiasts and racers looking for the best of the best. Ohio's Miami Cycle Manufacturing purchased the company in an attempt to give them a top tier motorcycle. The 1911 Flying Merkel V-Twin would be that motorcycle, as it built on Merkel's innovative engineering to reach levels of performance previously unheard of both on the road and on the popular wood tracks of the time.
Description: Founded in 1911 as Electric Autolite in Toledo, Ohio, the company produced generators to power early day buggy lamps. In 1927, they acquired an automotive battery manufacturer, and in 1935, Electric Autolite decided they should get into the business of manufacturing spark plugs. In 1936 the first spark plug was produced at their Fostoria, Ohio plant. Electric Autolite's products were expanded further to include starter motors, ignition systems, and wire and cable products. With a full range of automotive electrical goods in their stables, Electric Autolite began securing supply contracts with leading car manufacturers, providing their products as OEM installations, and allowing Electric Autolite to move into a phase of explosive growth.
