H. C. Kelsey (January 18, 1876 – May 4, 1957), born Harry C. Kelsey, was an American automotive engineer, inventor, and entrepreneur primarily known for founding the Kelsey Motor Company and producing the Kelsey Car in the early 1920s.
Born in Pennsylvania, Kelsey was an innovative figure in the nascent American automotive industry. Before establishing his namesake company, he was involved in various engineering projects, including early experiments with steam-powered vehicles, notably the Keystone Steam Car.
In the early 1920s, Kelsey founded the Kelsey Motor Company, initially located in Newark, New Jersey, and later moved to Trenton, New Jersey. The company's primary product was the "Kelsey Car," which gained recognition for its distinctive engineering. Kelsey was a proponent of friction drive transmissions, a system he believed offered a simpler and more efficient alternative to traditional gearboxes, particularly for lighter and more affordable vehicles.
The Kelsey Car was initially marketed as a three-wheeled vehicle (sometimes referred to as the Kelsey Motorette) designed for efficiency and economy, before later shifting to a more conventional four-wheel design. The company operated from approximately 1921 to 1924, facing intense competition and financial challenges common to many small independent automakers of the era. Despite its short lifespan, the Kelsey Motor Company contributed to the rich tapestry of automotive innovation in the United States, showcasing alternative engineering approaches during a period of rapid development in vehicle design.
Harry C. Kelsey passed away in Palm Beach, Florida, in 1957. His contributions are remembered within the history of American automotive engineering and early independent car manufacturing.