1919 Detroit Electric Model 75-A

The Detroit Electric was the most popular and long-lived electric vehicle to be sold in the United States. 13,290 cars were produced by Anderson Electric (which became Detroit Electric in 1919) in the 32 years of operation from 1907 to 1939. Production fell sharply after Kettering developed the electric starter for cars in 1912.

The car is powered by fourteen (14) 6-volt batteries that provide 84 volts to the motor. The restoration of this car was a family affair beginning with Jill's father Don, in 1972, then her brother Steve in 1993, and finally a restoration in 2004, with completion in 2007.

A brougham, invented by Henry Brougham, was a four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage in use during the 1800s. A box seat was in the front with additional seating in the back for up to four passengers. The back section was enclosed and equipped with two doors.
The brougham design was used during the 1930s, with the front area occupied by the chauffeur while the passengers were enclosed in their cabin area.

The Anderson Electric Car Company, based in Detroit, Michigan, produced the Detroit Electric from 1907 through 1939. They were originally known as the Anderson Carriage Company until 1911, since they had produced buggies and carriages since 1884.

In 1907 the company began producing electric automobiles powered by a lead acid rechargeable battery. From 1911 through 1916, an optional Edison nickel-steel battery was available for $600. The electric vehicles were dependable and offered amenities that gasoline engines could not. Some of these amenities were easy starting; there was no need to crank the engine. Detroit Electrics were purchased primarily by wealthy women who preferred a simple, but elegant car for short local trips. Two hand levers controlled the car. The long lever was used to steer while the short lever regulated speed. Both could be folded out of the way when the car was not being driven to make entrances and exits easier. Without a conventional internal combustion motor, gearbox, or chain drive, the Detroit was extremely quiet to operate. In production longer than any other electric car, the Detroit was built from 1907 to approximately 1939. It is credited with being the first production automobile to use curved glass.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2008

Sold for $30,250 at 2015 RM Sotheby's Hershey Auction.
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.

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