Company overview
The Inter-State Automobile Company began operations in Muncie, Indiana, in 1909. Thomas F. Hart initiated the company and selected its name through a contest in October 1908. The initial Inter-State cars were mid-market vehicles, featuring four-cylinder engines. In 1913, the company introduced six-cylinder engine options. The Inter-State Motor Company operated from its factory at 142 Willard Street. In 1913, the company experienced receivership due to internal disagreements among stockholders and a lack of working capital. Frank C. Ball purchased the factory and real estate in February 1914, renaming the parent company to Inter-State Motor Company. By May 1918, production was halted for wartime work. General Motors acquired the Inter-State factory in March 1919 to manufacture the Sheridan automobile.
