Dyke's Automobile Encyclopedia

[Mike V. Florida]

I bought a copy of the encyclodedia from 1943. It has information on all types of transportation from the very first up to 1943.
I see now where a lot of the old line drawings we see in reference manuals came from.


You know I think the best part is seeing all the "new" technology in the book.
We all know how modern cars have a coil for each plug. Well a whole bunch in the earliest days of autos had the same thing (model T's). I found information on gas/electric cars, hybrids. All electric trucks with motors in all 4 wheels and 4 wheel steering.

What is old is new again!

[roccaas]

I picked up one off eBay for a few bucks. It is the 1949(?) version. What a wealth of information. I never knew that farm tractors were often dual fuel-gas to start the engine, and then switching over to cheaper kerosene.

BTW, it has the complete Model A owners' manual as a chapter within the book.

[1946]

Just read the notes on Dykes Automobile and Gasoline Engine Encyclopedia of 1943. When I was doing my apprenticeship as an Electrical Mechanic,in the early 1960's, I sold/gave a 1952 Ford Prefect Ute (pick up) to fellow workmate. As part payment for the ute, he gave me a copy of Dykes, 1943 edition.
At that time the collection of cars at home was, 1926 Willyies Overland Whippet, 1928 A Ford Roadster, 1929 DA Dodge Six Sedan, I still have the Dodge. Looking at the books stored next to the Dykes, are two orignal 1928 copies of Ford Model A Car by Victor Page and The New Ford Car by E T Brown Oxford press for the 14.9 hp New 1928 Model A Ford, the English version of the Model A. To me books store knowledge, and knowledge is precious.

[Ray in La Mesa]

I found a copy on ebay for our restoration shop at the San Diego Auto Museum. We work on a host of unusual gems from 1909 on. There is always something of use in this "old bible". The new,younger guys are amazed at the amount of info covered.

[bobv]

I have a 1917 version that say's when going touring you need to wear a red bandanna like the cowboys wear to keep the dust off your face.

[Purdy Swoft]

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There was a Dykes automobile encyclopedia in the school library at THS. Not sure when it was published. It had a blue cover and had lots of info on model A's. I studied it quite a bit when we had study hall in the school library.

[Special Coupe Frank]

I found a 1918 copy of Dykes Automotive and Gas Engine Encyclopdedia at a local shop for $3 about 10 years ago.. one of the best investments I've ever made !

What a fascinating look at the world of the Gearhead, pre-1920 !

I will have to keep an eye out for a later edition...