2014.8

Durant Motors Automobile Museum Photo Collection

2014.8.3

Photograph taken from the air of the Durant Motors Inc. Elizabeth, New Jersey Plant. The Elizabeth, New Jersey plant was originally built by the Dusenburg Motors Corporation upon being awarded a U.S. Government contract to built engines during the United States involvement in World War I. The most famous being the Liberty V—12 engine. At the end of the war in 1918 the factory complex was sold to John North Willys to be used as an additional plant for his Willy's—Overland automobiles. In 1920 due to a recession, and auto sales starting to slow down for Willy's the plant was put up for sale at auction in November 1922. Also interested in the plant was Walter P. Chrysler who had his eyes on the plant to produce his new vehicle, the Chrysler. William C. Durant or Durant Motors Inc, beat Chrysler's bid, paying $5.2 million dollars for the plant. Along with the plant was a prototype automobile that was on the drawing board which would later become Durant Motors Inc. Flint automobile. The plant which was originally 500,000 square feet, expanded under Durant Motors Inc. to 2 million square feet, being near 1/4 mile long and consisting of 40 acres. Produced at the plant was various models of Durant automobiles, mostly Durants and Stars. Production ceased some time in 1929 and the plant was sold in 1933. At some point the plant was purchased by Burry Biscuit a division of Quaker Oats, who occupied the facility for 40 years, finally closing in 2006. Form many years the famous "Girl Scout Cookies" were produced at the plant. On December 22, 2011 part of the plant caught fire, quickly spreading to the old structure and the plant was severely damaged.

Unknown

Donated by Mr. & Mrs.Yates Milton

Circa 1924

1922

1932

Aerial Photograph of the Durant Motors Inc. Plant, Elizabeth, New Jersey