1922 Milburn Electric Model 27L

The Milburn 27L was manufactured by the Milburn Wagon Company in Toledo, Ohio. Milburn was known for making carriages under its own name as well as bodies for companies including Oldsmobile and Ohio Electric. Milburns are notable for being used by Woodrow Wilson and his Secret Service detail on The White House grounds. The Milburn 27L was capable of an impressive 100-mile range on flat terrain and was well equipped with luxury features, including a coal-fired foot heater, retractable windows, and seating for five. Power was supplied by a 40- or 42-cell, 84-volt battery pack, which was mounted on rollers that allowed for the batteries to be swapped for convenience. The batteries powered a General Electric DC motor that was controlled via a General Electric mechanical drum contactor controller. The 12 sliding contacts allowed for a variety of battery configurations and allowed the drive to select four forward speeds, two reverse speeds, neutral and plug break.