- A lovely, restored example in attractive colors
- Dark burgundy and black paintwork over gray broadcloth
- New deep-cycle modern batteries for improved performance
- A rare survivor with appealing looks and ease of ownership
LOT 667
Selling on Saturday Evening
1918 Detroit Electric Model 75A Brougham
The pioneering days of the automobile industry were awash with creative ideas for propulsion beyond the internal combustion petrol engine. Steam and electric power were popular alternatives before petroleum infrastructure was fully established. Particularly popular among wealthy urban women, electrics offered clean, silent operation and were well-suited for inner city travel. Electrics required very little maintenance, could be charged at home, and above all, they were simple to operate. Before Cadillac's Delco System Self-Starter, electrics were touted for having no such dangerous starting procedure which, if done improperly, could cause serious injury. Even when executed properly, it was not considered particularly lady-like to be yanking on a starter handle.
Detroit-Electric stands out as, by far, one of the most successful and longest-surviving manufacturers of early electric automobiles, remaining in production from 1907 through 1939. As the petroleum industry's infrastructure took over in the early 20th century and drove most steam and electric cars into oblivion, Detroit Electric somehow managed to carry on, producing simple but solidly built cars. The company's best year, 1914, saw a production of 4,669 cars, putting it decidedly in a niche market compared to the likes of Ford. But the scrappy automaker persisted even as the fondness for electric cars began to wane after 1916, when most production automobiles offered electric starters.
Styling upgrades such as the addition of "false fronts" kept Detroit Electric's offerings up with current trends and even an open speedster proved popular with buyers. Still, production dropped steadily, even after prices were reduced from a peak of $4,000 in 1921. Yet Detroit Electric persisted, offering buyers from 1930 onward the option of conventional bodies supplied by Dodge or Willys-Overland to sit atop their chassis. Remarkably, the firm soldiered on still offering the classic, though positively archaic, "parlor on wheels" body style with tiller steering through the end of production, which some believe persisted until as late as 1941.
One such example, a 1918 Model 75A Brougham, is offered here. Beautifully finished in burgundy and black over gray broadcloth with red carpeting, it benefits from a previous restoration that has been freshened within the past few years, according to the consignor. This 1918 Brougham is refined and highly developed but still retains the quaint features such as tiller steering, front jump seat, window shades and plush, comfortable upholstery, which appealed to the ladies who were its best market. An opening windshield hinged at the top provides for ventilation and visibility even during rain. It rides on a set of Buffalo center lock wire wheels, has chrome headlights, curved front and rear quarter windows, pull-down window shades, an opening rear window for flow-through ventilation, and a swivel bucket seat on the left to facilitate conversation. A drawing room on wheels, it is an important artifact of the early automobile's development when steam and electricity competed with smelly, noisy internal combustion power to earn the trade of refined city dwellers.
Recently, deep-cycle batteries were installed for improved performance. As today's major manufacturers increasingly commit to pure electric vehicles, those of a century ago warrant a fresh look from collectors and enthusiasts. This outstanding example with appealing looks and ease of ownership is sure to charm the dedicated electric car enthusiast and newcomer alike.
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