The Waverley Company has roots that date back to 1898 when the Indiana Bicycle Company merged with the American Electric Vehicle Company of Chicago. The Indiana Bicycle Company was a part of the American Bicycle Company which was owned by Colonel Albert A. Pope. This was the first electric-powered automobile offered by the Pope Company.In 1904, the Waverley automobiles were renamed to Pope-Waverley; the other Pope businesses also experienced name changes in a similar fashion during this time. Production of the Pope-Waverley continued until 1908 when the company experienced financial difficulties. The Waverley department was sold back to its founders and former employees, W.C. Johnson, H.H Rice, and W.B. Cooley in 1909. The Waverley Company continued from 1909 through 1916.The company produced a variety of body styles to accommodate the demands of its customers. The models included the Stanhope, Victoria-Roadster, Surrey, Coupe, Brougham, and the Runabout.
The original price of this vehicle was $1500. Power came from 44 battery cells that could move the vehicle 12-14 miles per hour for 35-40 miles on a single charge. The batteries weighed 400 pounds.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2010
The Waverley Stanhope Phaeton
The electric Waverley Stanhope was popular with physicians. This example was reportedly owned originally by John Garrett of Baltimore, a U.S. Ambassador to Italy. This example is believed to be the oldest surviving Waverley Electric Phaeton in existence.
The electric Waverley Stanhope was popular with physicians. This example was reportedly owned originally by John Garrett of Baltimore, a U.S. Ambassador to Italy. This example is believed to be the oldest surviving Waverley Electric Phaeton in existence.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2010
