1919 Detroit Electric Model 75-A Brougham

William Anderson founded the Anderson Carriage Company in 1884 and by 1907, had entered the automobile age. The cars were always called Detroit Electrics, but the company was not renamed to suit until 1919 after Anderson retired. Over the company's 30-plus year lifespan, the Detroit Electric Car Company produced more electric automobiles than any other American passenger car manufacturer.

Their early venture was an electric roadster that had been designed by engineer George M. Bacon. 125 examples had been built by Christmas, and 400 examples the following year. Yearly production soon surpassed 1000. Over the years, batteries improved, and with the increasing electrification of America meant that more people could charge their cars at home.

Anderson purchased the Elwell Parker Company, of Cleveland, Ohio, in 1910. They were former suppliers of motors to rival Baker and others. In 1911, the company introduced chainless direct-shaft drive, with no gear reduction between axle and motor.

In 1915, Detroit Electric introduced the Type B. They were less-expensive models intended to compete with lower-priced competitors like Milburn. The Type B had a standardized controller and reverse switch located under the seat. Standard colors were Royal Blue, Brewster Green, or Detroit Grey-Green. Edison batteries were no longer offered.

The early history of this Model 75 Four-Passenger Brougham is not known. It is believed to be one of the last Detroit Electrics to have been built at the original main factory complex in Detroit. George Craig of Washington State and his sister Mary Selby owned the car for more than three decades. An uncle left it to them in the early 1980s.

This Detroit Electric has been repainted and some of the upholstery has been covered over with modern fabric. Some of the interior panels are missing.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2016