Velie Four History

The first Velie appeared late in 1908 as a 1909 model — the 'Velie 30,' a four-cylinder car rated at 30–35 hp and offered in touring (five-passenger) or roadster (two/three-passenger) body styles at $1,750. More than 500 were sold in the debut year, a strong start for a new marque. By 1910 output had exceeded 1,000 cars, and by 1912 Velie was building 3,628 per year.

Velie initially sourced Lycoming four-cylinder engines, then began manufacturing its own proprietary powerplants in 1911 — a point of pride that the company used to differentiate itself from 'assembled car' rivals. The engines were painted John Deere green, a quiet nod to founder Willard Velie's family roots in the agricultural equipment dynasty.

By 1911 the flagship four had grown to 40 hp in a 334-cubic-inch (5.47 L) L-head unit (the 'Velie 40'), fired by Splitdorf magneto on a 115-inch wheelbase. A truck line launched in 1911 as well. The four-cylinder cars continued through approximately 1915; beginning with the 1916 model year every Velie left the factory with a six-cylinder engine.