The J.I. Case Threshing Machine Company had been manufacturing grain threshers and steam traction engines since 1842. When they began producing automobiles in 1910, they used their famous Case Eagle for the radiator emblem.

Kissel Motor Company originally manufactured agricultural equipment, then stationary gas engines, before producing cars. Kissel manufactured almost the entire vehicle, something uncommon for early automobile companies.

As well-known carriage builders, the Velie Corporation had the backing of the John Deere Plow Company. Their first cars were distributed through the Deere dealer network.

Similar to many other early American car manufacturers, Moon began as a business making buggies.

Standard Steel had been in the railroad industry, manufacturing steel and composite railway carriages and wagons, before turning to automobiles.

Joshua Dallas Dort had been a carriage builder before he decided to attempt building cars.