1916 Detroit Electric Model 60

A brougham, invented by Henry Brougham, was a four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage in use during the 1800s. A box seat was in the front, with additional seating in the back for up to four passengers. The back section was enclosed and equipped with two doors.

The brougham design was used during the 1930s, with the front area occupied by the chauffeur while the passengers were enclosed in their cabin area.

The Anderson Electric Car Company, based in Detroit, Michigan, produced the Detroit Electric from 1907 through 1939. They were originally known as the Anderson Carriage Company, until 1911, since they had produced buggies and carriages since 1884.

In 1907 the company began producing electric automobiles powered by a lead acid rechargeable battery. From 1911 through 1916, an optional Edison nickel-steel battery was available for $600. The electric vehicles were dependable and offered amenities that gasoline engines could not. Some of these amenities were easy to start; there was no need to crank the engine. Detroit Electrics were purchased primarily by wealthy women who preferred a simple but elegant car for short local trips. Two hand levers controlled the car. The long lever was used to steer while the short lever regulated speed. Both could be folded out of the way when the car was not being driven to make entrances and exits easier. Without a conventional internal combustion motor, gearbox, or chain drive, the Detroit was extremely quiet to operate. In production longer than any other electric car, the Detroit was built from 1907 to approximately 1939. It is credited with being the first production automobile to use curved glass.

Advertisements claimed that the vehicles could cover 80 miles between battery charges and had a top speed of 20 mph, adequate for in-town driving.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2005