overall: 4 1/2 in x 2 in x 1/2 in; 11.43 cm x 5.08 cm x 1.27 cm
Object Name:
Gasoline Saver
Other Terms:
Gasoline Saver; Road
Associated Place:
United States: District of Columbia
Date made:
ca 1915-1920
Description:
The Bell Gasoline Saver was manufactured by the Bell Gasoline Saver Company, Inc. of Washington, DC around 1917. The device screwed into the intake manifold and had a ball valve on each end. The upper valve could be adjusted by a set-screw to prevent the ball from being sucked into the engine. Bell claimed that the optimal airflow allowed for carbon elimination, more power, and less gasoline consumption.
As more and more Americans took to the wheel, they often tinkered with their cars so that they more effectively suited their needs, or to overcome early automobiles' very obvious limitations. A users could buy kits that converted Model T's into a stationary engine, lights, turn signals, anti-theft devices, and a host of other products that the makers of auto accessories touted as essential and useful. Although not all of them worked, or were successful, some of these early add-ons, became standard features on later cars.
