Detroit Electric

US, 1907 – 1938

(1) Anderson Carriage Co, Detroit, Mich., 1907 – 1910

(2) Anderson Electric Car Co, Detroit, Mich., 1911 – 1918

(3) Detroit Electric Car Co, Detroit, Mich., 1919 – 1938

One of the best-known electric automobiles built in the United States as well as one of the most long-lived, the Detroit Electric car reached its peak in production and sales between 1912 and 1920. The Detroit-Electric success was largely due to the demand by women for a simple car for urban use. More than 1000 Detroit Electric cars per year were sold up to World War 1, but production tapered off in the 1920s. A few Detroit Electrics with Renault-type bonnets were made under licence by Arrol-Johnston in 1913/ 1914. In 1920, the old-fashioned appearance of the Detroit Electric cars was modified by the introduction of false front which made the Detroit look more like a conventional car. In the early 1930s, production of Detroit Electric cars was cut to individual orders, and bodies for the more conventional-looking cars were obtained from Willys-Overland, complete with the horizontal bonnet louvres. The earlier design of the Detroit Electric, however, with rounded battery covers, fore and aft, was also available. Only a handful of Detroit Electric cars were produced annually after 1935. Some of the last Detroit Electric cars used the Dodge bonnet and grille.

Source: Georgano, encyclopedia of motorcar; KM

The information is written with the greatest of care. However, if you have any suggested amendments please contact us at office@prewarcar.com

Murray

US, 1902 – 1903

Church Mfg Co, Adrian, Mich.

The Murray car was a light runabout on similar lines to the Curved Dash Oldsmobile, built by a former Olds engineer. The Murray car had a 6hp single-cylinder water-cooled engine, epicyclic gearbox and single chain drive. About 1.000 Murray cars were produced before the makers turned to a larger car, the Lenawee.

US, 1916 – 1918

Murray Motor Car Co, Pittsburgh, Pa.

The Murray Eight with its V8 motot and Rolls-Royce style of radiator, was a prestige car of the World War 1 period and the Murray car sold at a reasonable price and had an enviable clientele of owners and enthusiasts. The Murray cars featured both an electric clock and a slanted windshield as early as 1917.

Source: Georgano, encyclopedia of motorcar; GNG, KM

The information is written with the greatest of care. However, if you have any suggested amendments please contact us at office@prewarcar.com