1896 Riker Electric Roadster

This single-seat roadster is among the earliest electric prototypes. It was conceived and created by Andrew Lawrence (A.L.) Riker, the engineering genius behind some of the most notable early automobiles, including 'Old 16,' the iconic gas-powered Locomobile that won the 1908 Vanderbilt Cup. Riker went on to found the Society of Automotive Engineers, serving as its first president, with Henry Ford serving as its first vice president.

This early electric car is equipped with five batteries to power its 3-horsepower Riker Electric Motor. It is guided by tiller steering, and unlike ensuring Rikers, it had coil springs and solid tires. The car somehow made its way to England, and Bill Harrah purchased it from there. The car also passed through the hands of owners in Arizona and Iowa before the Riker family was able to repurchase it. In 2021, it was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours by A.L. Riker's grandson, Richard Riker, and his wife Judy.