Fore-Drive Limousine
Chassis number: 513

The Argo Electric vehicle Company was formed in Saginaw, Michigan by Fred Buck in July 1910. Buck was joined by Theodore Hess and three colleagues. Production continued until 1918. The newly formed company took over an old match manufacturing plant and began production in September. Prototype testing began in 1911 and advertising soon followed. Though the company was formed in 1910, the official debut did not arrive until January 1912 at the New York Auto Show. The earliest product was a five-passenger brougham. This was soon followed by a roadster, limousine, and several commercial models.

In 1916, the Argo Company merged with fellow electric manufacturers Broc and Borland to form the American Electric Car Company, although each kept its marque identity. Their efforts failed and Columbia Motors Company of Detroit bought the firm in order to secure its franchise in the National Automobile Chamber of Commerce, necessary to exhibit at the national shows.

This 1913 Argo Electric Fore-Drive Limousine is powered by an 80-volt Westinghouse DC motor fitted with a five-speed controller. There is a shaft drive, two-wheel mechanical drum brakes, and a wheelbase that measures 110 inches. It is painted in dark green paint, has nickel brightwork, and rides on 12-spoke wood artillery wheels with solid rubber tires. There is buttoned gray cord upholstery with brocade borders and twisted cord nets on the headliner. The side windows have pull-down shades. There is also a Phinney-Walker keyless clock. It was in the John McMullen Collection prior to entering the James Cousens Cedar Crossing Collection.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Hershey Auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $100,000 - $150,000. As bidding came to a close, the car was sold for the sum of $110,000 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan