Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 150
1922 Detroit Electric Model 97B Brougham Chassis no. 11350
Sold for US$145,000 inc. premium
Lot 150
1922 Detroit Electric Model 97B Brougham
1922 Detroit Electric Model 97B Brougham
Chassis no. 11350
Chassis no. 11350
Single Electric Motor
8 12-Volt AGM Batteries
Variable Speed Controller
Solid Front Axle, Live Rear Axle, Elliptic Leaf Springs
Rear Wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes
*An exceedingly rare late-production Detroit
*Said to be one of only 59 built in 1932
*Desirable late-style lowered roof and rounded fenders
*Opulent parlor-style interior
*Beautifully restored and expertly maintained
*Freshly updated with powerful 12-Volt AGM batteries
*Previously in the care of an electric car specialist
*A worthy competitor in burgeoning electric car concours classes
THE DETROIT ELECTRIC
The pioneering days of the automobile industry were awash with creative ideas for propulsion beyond the internal combustion petrol engine. Steam and electric power were popular alternatives before petroleum infrastructure were fully established. Particularly popular among wealthy urban women, electrics offered clean, silent operation and were well suited for inner city travel.
Electrics required very little maintenance, could be charged at home, and above all, they were simple to operate. Before Cadillac's Delco System Self-Starter, electrics were touted for having no such dangerous starting procedure which, if done improperly could cause serious injury. Even when executed properly, it was not considered particularly lady-like to be yanking on a starter handle.
There are myriad reasons why petrol surpassed electric, but a handful of manufacturers carved out a niche market. Detroit-Electric stands as one of the most successful and longest-surviving of them all, remaining in production from 1907 through 1939, managing to survive seemingly well past the expiry date. Their best year, 1914, saw a production of 4669 cars. While a mere fraction compared to Ford's output, however the Detroit was considerably more upmarket.
Remarkably, the firm soldiered on, still offering the classic (though it was considered positively archaic at the time) "parlor on wheels" body style with tiller steering through the end of production – which some believe persisted until as late as 1941 on a made-to-order basis. An estimated 35,000 Detroit Electrics were built over the company's 35 years, and they remain popular with collectors and enthusiasts, enjoying a renaissance in recent years thanks to increased attention to alternative fuel vehicles.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 1932 Model 97B Brougham is one such later model from Detroit Electric. Meticulously restored to concours standards, it stands apart for its superlative quality. Finished in an elegant burgundy and black colorway, it is beautifully presented. According to historian Beverly Rae Kimes, just 59 Detroit Electric cars were built in 1932, making this a very rare motorcar, indeed. Interestingly, many of the 1932 cars, likely including this example, were older models which Detroit Electric bought back from clients to be refurbished, updated, and renumbered at the factory.
The improvements include more contemporary rounded fenders, a lowered roof height which allowed the cars to clear a standard garage, smaller-diameter wheels, and new, repositioned headlights. Blackwall tires lend an understated and elegant aesthetic along with the optional wooden artillery spoke wheels.
To the uninitiated, the parlor seating in the cabin can be surprising. Most notable is the lack of a traditional steering wheel and pedal arrangement. With the feeling of a lounge on wheels, the driver operates the car via a tiller from the main bench seat. A bud vase, sconce lamps, and folding jump seat impart a salon-like feel, conjuring scenes of a trio of socialites chatting away whilst on a shopping run in the city in 1932. Like the exterior, the interior is rather stunning, with swathes of opulent tan brocade fabric and beautiful nickel detailing.
While in previous ownership, a full complement of modern 12-Volt AGM batteries – lighter and more powerful than the original lead-acid type – were fitted to improve performance and range.
The quality of the restoration impresses, with little to detract from the fine presentation. As today's major manufacturers increasingly commit to pure EVs, the electric cars of a century ago warrant a fresh look from collectors and enthusiasts, and few are as worthy of attention from experienced collectors and newcomers alike as this outstanding Detroit Model 97B.
Footnotes
Please note this is a model year 1932, and it is titled as a 1922.
Please note this is a model year 1932, and it is titled as a 1922.
Saleroom notices
Please note this is a model year 1932, and it is titled as a 1922.
Additional information
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