1916 Detroit Electric Model 54A Brougham

Inventory Number: 3185

$85,000

  • 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, and 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
  • PAINT: Green with black fenders
  • 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
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 its “Detroit Electric” brand—reliable, luxury electric cars popular among women and doctors. It produced approximately 13,000 electric vehicles during its 32 years of manu­fact­uring before advancements in 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. These cars 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.

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