FWD "Four Wheel Drive" History

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FWD "Four Wheel Drive" History

Clintonville, WI was the birth place of the first Four Wheel Drive vehicle!

02/04/2025

A three axle Model B in the UK. I have seen other similar period trucks with the third axle, but this is the first Model B in service that i have seen a photo of, although i added a photo of a survivor some months ago.

20/03/2025

Last Saturday our dear friend Bill Hupke was laid to rest. This photo is being shared with permission from Bill’s son Bill Jr. Bill Jr took the photo.

There are many words that could be used to describe Bill however caring,humbled, a wealth of knowledge,compassionate, and friendly come to my mind as I remember our friendship.

Bill had a wealth of knowledge of F.W.D. and many of the trucks produced over the years, he enjoyed curating the F.W.D. Museum and gave many private tours of the exhibits.

When the Smithsonian came to Clintonville to film a documentary, Bill was involved in the process, operating the trucks and offering his insight. He could also be seen driving the old trucks he worked on during most every parade in Clintonville.

Bill will be missed by many and there will be a big void in Clintonville without Bill. Thank you Mr. FWD for the many lessons you blessed me with along with the other individuals over the years. You touched a lot of lives during your time here on earth. God speed my friend!

12/03/2025

I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of my dear friend Bill Hupke. Bill was Mr. FWD as his heart and soul was all about God, His wife, children and FWD. For many years Bill kept the Old FWD Trucks running and was always willing to share his love and knowledge of FWD. I met Bill around 1999 or 2000. Over the years Bill help educate me on FWD. You will be missed my friend! God Speed!

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08/03/2025

I really enjoy being blessed with items from others and then sharing with everyone. Cab Forward FWD fire trucks have always had a soft spot in my heart.

26/02/2025

This is awesome! One of the items in my friends collection that I received! I have never seen this brochure before. From the 1930's! This would be an awesome wall hanger! One of my favorite FWD logos too!

25/02/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BHv5KCQ7L/

25/02/2025

Recently another historian blessed me with his massive collection. He had been collecting and researching FWD since the 80's. I am humbled that he complimented me on how I preserve items and share the history with others through this page, lectures, and displays. There are things I have never seen before and I have been collecting for over two decades now.

19/02/2025

Another driving lesson. The FWD looks a little precarious and sitting on top of a tree stump. Looks like the instructor is helping with the brake. The front of the radiator has had a bang and there is a chunk of it missing.

16/02/2025

13/02/2025

Driver training. Reversing around corners. You can just imagine him saying "Can anybody see where he went wrong"?

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The First Four Wheel Drive

In 1903 brother in laws William Besserdich and Otto Zachow were the first ones to own a horseless carriage in the city of Clintonville, WI. The pair drove their car all over Clintonville impressing the citizens and turning their heads. Both Zachow and Besserdich developed and built the first successful four wheel drive car in 1908 from patents they designed. In 1909 a total of 11 vehicles had their patented lockable center differential with double-Y constant velocity universal joints for steering four wheel drive system added to the vehicles. The 11 vehicles were given the name “Battleship”. That same year the Badger Four Wheel Drive Auto Company was formed in Clintonville. In 1910 a local banker by the name of Walter Owen invested into the company and the name was changed to the Four Wheel Drive Auto Company “FWD”.