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After their public unveiling at the National Automobile Show of 1900 in Madison Square Garden, Baker Electrics quickly became the nation's most popular battery-powered vehicles. Notable purchasers included Thomas Edison, who chose a Baker as his first automobile.
Baker Stanhopes were marketed as quiet, genteel and especially well-suited for ladies or professional men such as doctors. Advertisements emphasized the Stanhope's 'complete embodiment of refinement' as well as its simplicity of operation, which offered women freedom from 'liveried attendance.' Ladies also appreciated the clean operation of electric automobiles because it eliminated the necessity of wearing 'course, unbecoming automobile suites' to protect their fine clothing from dirt and gasoline fumes.
In spite of the car's promotion as safe and quiet vehicle the Baker's popularity was due in part to the racing exploits of its manufacturer, Walter C. Baker. With a top speed of only 12 mph the first battery-powered cars were quite slow, but Baker was determined to prove that his electrics could match the speed of gasoline and steam cars. He designed an electric racer that was far more powerful than a standard Baker and tested it on a Staten Island Speedway in June of 1902. During his test run Baker did achieve the extraordinary speed of 76 mph - but he crashed into the watching crowd, killing two spectators. The following year Baker confined himself to racing electric cars equipped with the same 3/4 horsepower motor as production Bakers and still managed to set speed records for two and ten mile distances, thus ensuring the continued popularity of Baker Electric Automobiles.
Baker Stanhopes were marketed as quiet, genteel and especially well-suited for ladies or professional men such as doctors. Advertisements emphasized the Stanhope's 'complete embodiment of refinement' as well as its simplicity of operation, which offered women freedom from 'liveried attendance.' Ladies also appreciated the clean operation of electric automobiles because it eliminated the necessity of wearing 'course, unbecoming automobile suites' to protect their fine clothing from dirt and gasoline fumes.
In spite of the car's promotion as safe and quiet vehicle the Baker's popularity was due in part to the racing exploits of its manufacturer, Walter C. Baker. With a top speed of only 12 mph the first battery-powered cars were quite slow, but Baker was determined to prove that his electrics could match the speed of gasoline and steam cars. He designed an electric racer that was far more powerful than a standard Baker and tested it on a Staten Island Speedway in June of 1902. During his test run Baker did achieve the extraordinary speed of 76 mph - but he crashed into the watching crowd, killing two spectators. The following year Baker confined himself to racing electric cars equipped with the same 3/4 horsepower motor as production Bakers and still managed to set speed records for two and ten mile distances, thus ensuring the continued popularity of Baker Electric Automobiles.
1903 Baker Electric Stranhope |
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| Year | 1903 |
| Make | Baker |
| Model | Electric Stranhope |
| Engine Location | Rear |
| Drive Type | Rear Wheel |
| Price | $1,600.00 |
| Weight | 975 lbs | 442.3 kg |
| Performance | |
| Top Speed | 14 mph | 22.5 km/h Similar top speeds |
| Engine | |
| Engine | Single chain to rear |
| Aspiration/Induction | Normal |
| Engine Electronics | 12-cells, 6 volts each. |
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Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com
Automobile information, history, and statistics from concept to production. | © 1998-2008 Conceptcarz.com