Automotive Electric Service Corporation assembled an all-electric car known as the Auto Red Bug exactly a century ago. A dealership in Pennsylvania has now tried to sell it at a profit, reasoning that it would make a fine collection piece. The bidding never crossed $500, and the deal fell through.
Originally designed in 1916, the Auto Red Bug was envisioned as an extremely basic vehicle based on a wooden chassis acting simultaneously as the frame and the vibration damper. It lacks a suspension of any kind, but the curved wood helps soften the ride somewhat.
As an affordable means of transportation, the electric car was also made without a top and most of other creature comforts we are used to. Despite it, it was fairly popular back in the 1920s thanks to its silent, smoke-free running that set it apart from cars with internal combustion engines. It was also easy to maintain and to handle, partly owing to a lack of transmission. Priced at $125 in its prime, it was also really cheap compared to the competition. For instance, everyone’s favorite Ford Model T started from $250 before options.
A single electric motor installed at the rear end drives just one rear wheel. The battery sits in a box behind the seats. On an interesting historical note, some ICE cars from the same era used the same electric motor, but only as a starter.
Classic Auto Mall claims that only a handful of these cars have survived to this day in a functioning state. This specific example isn’t just fully drivable, but also a renowned prize winner at classic car shows. How it failed to attract more than $500 on eBay this weekend is frankly baffling.
