1922 Detroit Electric Model 90 Rear Drive Brougham

In 1900 electric cars outsold steam or gasoline-powered cars. Within a few years, the superior range of gas cars had pushed electric cars to the market margins. In response, electric car makers targeted women as many had trouble crank-starting gas cars and shifting the primitive transmissions. Electric cars were more reliable, they started with the turn of a key and had no transmission. Companies like Detroit Electric aimed to attract wealthy women, as well as doctors, by building roomy, elegant cars with interiors resembling parlors. But the advent of electric starters on gasoline cars in 1912 spelled trouble for electric car makers.

The Detroit Electric Car Company was founded as the Andersen Electric Car Company. They built more than 12,000 electric cars between 1907 and 1939. Power was provided by rechargeable lead-acid batteries.

This car was originally purchased by the Wright Family of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was eventually purchased by Bernie Peck of Water Street Garage fame.