One of hundreds of Michigan-based auto manufacturers in the "brass age," The
Alter Motor Car Company was located in Detroit, with its factory in nearby
Plymouth. Alter produced over 1000 cars from 1914 to 1916. The company went
into receivership and closed its doors in January of 1917.
The Alter was designed by Clarence Alter of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The car was
made from component parts shipped to Plymouth by rail for assembly. Two models
were produced, a 5-passenger touring car and a roadster. Only one Alter is
known to have survived.
Built in 1914 for the assembly of the Alter car, the factory stands to this day
on Farmer Street in Plymouth, Michigan. It war recently refurbished and is
currently the home of the C.D. Sparling Company.
Alter Motor Car Company
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the history of the Alter company, car and factory. The material found
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