1916 Detroit Electric Other Detroit Electric Models

FROM THE DICK SHAPPY COLLECTION: The 1916 Detroit Electric Model 54A Brougham

William C. Anderson founded the Anderson Carriage Company in Port Huron, Michigan, in 1884, and reorganized it as the Anderson Electric Car Company in Detroit in 1911. From 1907 to 1939, the company was a leading producer of electric vehicles, known for their "Detroit Electric" brand - reliable, luxury electric cars popular among women and doctors. They produced approximately 13,000 electric vehicles during their 32 years of manufacturing before the advancements of the gasoline-powered automobiles, and the invention of the electric starter subdued the demand for electric vehicles.

The 1916 Detroit Electric Model 54A Brougham was unique for its early luxury, "parlor-style" seating designed for high society, and a specialized, user-friendly electric powertrain. Featuring an 84-volt system, it was driven with a tiller from the rear seat. They were popular with the wives of auto moguls like Clara Ford, and unlike gasoline vehicles, they offered a quiet, odorless ride. It boasted a pressed aluminum roof, large panoramic windows, and a swiveling front Pullman chair.



YEAR: 1916

MAKE: Detroit Electric

MANUFACTURER: Anderson Electric Car Company

MANUFACTURED: Detroit, Michigan, USA

MODEL: 54A Brougham

ENGINE: 84-volt DC electric motor

MOTOR NO.: 21155

MILEAGE: 21K miles shown, TMU

CAPACITY: Five-passenger

TRANSMISSION: Five forward speeds and five reverse speeds to the rear wheels via a driveshaft and a worm-gear axle

BRAKES: Dual internally expanding rear drum brakes that can be actuated either separately or together via two pedals, electric driveline braking

CONTROLS: Fold-away rear-seat driver controls (steering tiller and a speed-control lever)

WHEELS: 25" wire wheels

TIRES: 34x4.5 Universal Tire Company

SUSPENSION: Solid axles with semi-elliptical leaf springs up front and quarter-elliptical leaf springs at the rear

DASH: Jones 60-mph speedometer and volt-ammeter, Waltham 8-day clock, odometer

FEATURES: Brown striped cloth upholstery, swiveling front Pullman chair, seven 12-volt batteries, crank-operated windows, skirted fenders, electric headlights and cowl lamps, adjustable transparent windshield visor, running boards, taillamp, rear bench seat, cushioned package box, color-keyed headliner and carpeting, door pockets, silk roller blinds and curtains, vanity case

PAINT: Green with black fenders