Ex Harrahs Auto Collection, sole surviving example

1931 Detroit Electric Model 99 Four Passenger Coupe

Coachwork by Fisher

15bhp DC Electric Motor
Mechanical Speed Controller
Rear-Wheel Mechanical Brakes
Semi Elliptic Springs

*Remarkably well preserved
*Rare early electric
*Formerly part of Harrah's Collection

THE DETROIT ELECTRIC

Detroit Electrics were made by the Anderson Carriage Company. Originally from Port Huron, Michigan (coincidentally the home town of Thomas Edison.) Anderson, as its name implies, was founded in 1884 as a maker of carriages and wagons. Its founder, William C. Anderson, moved his company to Detroit in 1895 and in 1907 began making electric vehicles under the name Detroit Electric. While Detroit Electric was never an industry technical leader, its products were soundly engineered and constructed, especially after the 1909 acquisition of Elwell-Parker, maker of the Detroit Electric's electric motor and its controller. Elwell-Parker's products were widely regarded as the best available.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This exceptional machine is the sole surviving example of Detroits ultimate iteration of the electric car. Unlike previous electrics which made their propulsion known in formal if a bit stuffy broughams, this example takes its styling cues more from Packard. It sports a faux radiator and louvered hood mimicking its gasoline powered competitor. The design of the Detroit sheds light on the unfashionability of electric cars in this era. Detroit's attempt to regain dwindling market share proved a failure and this is believed to be the only survivor.

Despite the long hood, the engine is mounted mid-ship and drive is by shaft to the rear axle. The interior features a cluster of electric gauges and an elegant speed control stock at the steering wheel.

It was acquired by Frank Spain from the famed Harrah's Auto Museum Collection during the 1986 dispersal sales. William Harrah's network of car sleuths turned up some of the greatest automobiles and it is no surprise he ended up with this historic electric. Surviving today in largely original condition it appears to be untouched for many decades. Curiously, the Detroit shows evidence of quite a few miles showing that this machine did a good bit of service.

This Detroit Electric is without question one of the rarest and most desirable early electric cars. With such strong interest in electrics today this is bound to be a star of any collection.