Was there a Model C?
Yes. The name "Model C" has appeared in several contexts, especially in early 20th-century automobiles from different manufacturers, but there is no single current product universally known as a Model C. The exact reference depends on the maker and era.
Historical usage in automobiles
In the early days of the auto industry, manufacturers commonly used brief letter designations for model lines. "Model C" appeared at more than one company, typically for smaller, introductory, or transitional models. The diffusion of the name across brands is part of how the industry evolved before mass-market naming conventions took hold with models like the Ford Model T.
Notable early examples
Two of the better-documented uses are associated with Ford and REO. A Ford Model C is cited in some historical catalogs as an early 1900s runabout produced around 1904–1905, representing the brand’s exploration of compact, affordable designs. REO is recorded as having offered a Model C in the same era or slightly later, part of its broader lineup during the brass era.
These examples illustrate the broader pattern: the same designation could appear in separate brands with distinct specifications, and there was no unified standard governing what "Model C" signified. When researchers encounter a reference to a "Model C," identifying the brand and timeframe is essential to interpret the information correctly.
Modern usage and clarification
In contemporary product naming, there is no widely recognized, current vehicle or consumer electronics product officially titled simply "Model C." Some companies use the letter C within trim levels, codenames, or variant designations, but those uses are typically specific to a brand and not a standalone model name. If you can share the context—brand, country, or field (car, tech, or something else)—I can narrow down the precise reference.
Summary
The designation "Model C" has a historical footprint, especially in early automotive history where several manufacturers used it for different models. There is no single modern product universally identified as "Model C." Clarifying the brand and era will yield the most accurate answer for any specific reference you have in mind.
