1912 Baker Electric

The invention of the electric starter meant that gasoline-powered vehicles would ultimately become the fuel type of choice. Before this, electric vehicles were popular because of their ease of use, lack of fumes, and quiet operation. The Baker automobile, created by Walter C. Baker, was one of the more popular electric vehicles. Walter graduated from the Case School of Applied Science, now known as Case Western Reserve University. He became the owner of his own company in 1898 when he formed the American Ball Bearing Company. With the assistance of Rollin and Fred White, Baker established the Baker Motor Vehicle Company in 1899. His vehicles were revolutionary, introducing many industry 'firsts' such as the first shaft-driven autos, the first use of steel ball bearings in his chassis, and the first rear-axle bevel gears.

The Runabout and Stanhope had proven to be popular automobiles, so Baker expanded his offerings by introducing the Newport and a Physician's Chapelette. Production of the Newport lasted for two years and was hailed by the Company as a 'light carriage which is bound to win great popularity at summer resorts. It is very simple and easy to manipulate. Being absolutely free of lubricants, the finest gowns may be worn by its occupants.' This campaign amplified the company's position as offering vehicles that were suitable for women to operate.

The invention of the electric starter increased the popularity of gasoline-powered vehicles and meant the demise of the electric vehicle. In 1915 Baker merged with Rauch & Lang, another Cleveland-based electric auto producer. Together they switched to producing industrial vehicles and trucks. Over time, the company evolved into the Baker Materials Handling Company. In 1989 the company went out of business.

by Dan Vaughan

Special Extension Coupe
Chassis number: 7713

The Baker Motor Vehicle Company was founded in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1899 and was introduced at the First National Automobile Show held at Madison Square Garden in New York in 1900. The company's slogan was 'it outsells other electric vehicles because it outclasses them.'

Early electric automobiles found great acceptance, especially in large cities where speed and distance were not an issue. Many early automobile purchasers believed that electrics were more reliable and less troublesome than the early gasoline and steam-powered vehicles. By 1910, however, it became clear that the gasoline-powered automobile was the most practical choice, and electric and steam-powered vehicle sales began to decrease.

This 1912 Baker Electric features pneumatic tires, the famous Baker 'bevel gear shaft driven rear end,' and electric powered side lamps, tail light, and a single, front-mounted headlamp. The interior is lavishly appointed with a vanity case, flower vases and an electric dome light. It sold new for $2,700 in 1912.

In 1915, the Baker Company merged with Rauch and Lang, another popular builder of electric cars, but in 1916 both companies ended production.

Victoria

In 1895, Walter C. Baker diversified from carriage production to designing cars, and in 1899 the Baker Motor Vehicle Company in Cleveland began full production of its electric vehicles. Baker's first car, a two-seater, was shown at the nation's first auto show, in New York in 1900. After several unsuccessful racing versions, Baker concentrated on road cars. In 1910, a Baker Victoria set a record for distance driven on a single charge, covering 201 miles at an average speed of 12 mph. In his first year in office, President William Howard Taft purchased a Baker electric for The White House, and First Lady Helen Taft enjoyed driving the car on trips around Washington. Three years later, Mrs. Taft traded in her old 1909 model for this actual car, and it became a White House fixture for many more presidential terms. Following Woodrow Wilson's inauguration in 1913, his wife, Ellen, and their three daughters drove the Baker, and in 1914, President Wilson's second wife, Edith, made use of the car. When Warren Harding took office in 1921, First Lady Florence Harding inherited the Baker electric, and in 1923, when Calvin Coolidge assumed office, First Lady Grace Coolidge got behind the tiller! The car was finally retired from service in 1928 and was acquired by The Henry Ford that same year. Restored in 1972, this historic car is still in remarkably original condition.