title: Christie (automobile company)
text: # Christie (automobile company)
  
  The Christie Direct Action Motor Car Company was a New York City-based automobile manufacturer. It was founded by race driver and inventor J. Walter Christie in 1904, and lasted until 1910.
  
  ## History
  
  The Christie Company was originally called Christie Iron Works, but the name was changed in 1906. Christie was America's first exponent of front-wheel drive. In 1904, he took a four-cylinder, 30 hp racer to Daytona Beach with an early front-wheel drive system. In all, six racers were built, two with 60 hp engines.
  
  ## Production models
  
  The Christie Company produced a gran touring car in 1907 with a 50 hp engine costing $6,500 and 2,300 lbs. Also, the company produced a taxi cab.
  
  ## Demise
  
  Walter Christie spent most of his time racing and not promoting his cars. Because of this, the company folded in 1910.
  
  