Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 109
1932 Detroit Electric Model 97 Brougham Chassis no. 13688
Estimate: US$130,000 - US$160,000
Lot 109
1932 Detroit Electric Model 97 Brougham
The Audrain Auction|3 October 2025, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1932 Detroit Electric Model 97 Brougham
Chassis no. 13688
Chassis no. 13688
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
*Said to be one of only 59 built in 1932
*Desirable late-style lowered roof and rounded fenders
*Beautifully restored and expertly maintained
*Freshly updated with powerful 12-Volt AGM batteries
*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. This beautiful example is sure one of the nicest having been restored to concours standards by an experienced marque specialist. The elegant dark burgundy and black paintwork is beautifully finished and the body straight and finely detailed, including a subtle grey coachline. According to historian Beverly Rae Kimes, just 59 Detroit Electric cars were built in 1932, making this a very rare motorcar, indeed. While there is little to differentiate this later model from those in the teens, there are a few subtle differences. Most notable clues are the smaller, 18-inch wire wheels as well as the chrome headlights and unique cowl lamps. The wire wheels are finished in black with lovely chrome center caps and new blackwall tires lend an understated appearance to the exterior.
With the feeling of a lounge on wheels, the driver operates the car via a tiller whilst sat far back on the main bench seat. A flower vase and folding jump seat up front continues the casual salon-like feel as one can easily imagine a trio of socialites using this Detroit in period, chatting away whilst on a shopping run in the city. Like the exterior, the interior is beautifully finished to a very high standard. Grey broadcloth upholstery is featured on the seats, door cards and interior panels. The cabin is simple, yet elegant and inviting, with minimal adornment and basic instrumentation to monitor speed and battery output.
Modern AGM batteries replace the original lead-acid type. The modern batteries are, of course, more powerful and lighter than the originals, lending improved performance and range.
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. Here is a rare survivor from the later days of Detroit Electric, beautifully present and ready for tours, shows, or taking advantage of the carpool lane.
Additional information
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