Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-29
THREE THOUSAND
AUTOS IN MOTION
H0RSELESS MACHINES MULTI
PLY IN LOS ANGELES
Angel City World Famous for Auto
mobile splns-Pleasure of Tour
ing in the Sunny Southland.
Industrial Importance

Nothing short of spectacular have
been the inroads made by the autofno-
bile upon the commercial and social
fields of Los Angeles. But a scant
seven years ago and the horseless ma
chine was practically unknown. and
memory is still bright with the novelty
effected by the first car which made
its appearance upon the Angel city
thoroughfares.
Gathered before a Spring street busl-
ness house hundreds congregated to
gaze curiOusly upon the initial machine
which stood putting and trembling with
the intricate motive power which sent
1t chugging down the street.
Dubious eyes were cast upon the in
novation, for as yet the horseless ma
chine had not become a factor even in
the effete cast, where all such things
are generally supposed to emanate.
5000 Machines in Motion
Today Los Angeles is regarded as one
of the greatest automobile centers of
the country, with three thousand ma
chimes flying about the streets.
Not alone the number of cars but
the vast industry entailed is what
makes the local automobile trade of
commercial value. Thousands of en-
ployes are required to cater to the
wants of Los Angeles autodom, which
has grown to such proportions that
numerous garages, both private and
public, are involved in the great inno-
walton that now ranks among the high
est commercial possibilities of the pres
ent.
Visiting automobilists have wondered
at the complete and unique structures
which house the numberless cars which
mark Los Angeles as a motoring center.
Every appliance and convenience
known to the modern mechanic and ar
chitect has been called to the aid of
the local trade and prospective pur-
chasers realize without investigation
the fact that the finest machines of
American make are to be secured in
Los Angeles in as perfect a condition
as though purchased outright from the
factory
The keen insight of the American
manufacturer in not flooding the mar
ket and thereby risking poor output
is especially noticeable in Los Angeles,
where the great demand is scarcely
adequate to the supply
The complaint of local dealers and
one that illustrates forcibly the COM
mercial possibilities of the automobile
trade arises from the fact that sufficient
cars to satisfy popular demand are
not to be had on a moments notice.
Automobil Rows Increase
Garages are scattered throughout the
city. Automobile row." on South
Main street, is famous as the home of
many famous makes, but the south
end portion of the city possesses but
a minor part of the great automobile
trade which is not confined to any one
district.
A distinguishing feature of the local
trade lies in the fact that Los Angeles
dealers are among the most expert re-
tailers of the country and the imme-
date success of the new industry is
undoubtedly Cue to this condition of
affairs.
With the climate of Southern Califor-
mia as an incentive to motoring and
the finest scenic environments of the
country lending charm to the sport
automobiling should develop to a par
with any industry of the Southland.