Founded in 1884, the Anderson Electric Car Company moved to Detroit in 1895 and began producing electric vehicles under the Detroit Electric name in 1907. The company’s 1909 acquisition of Elwell-Parker – widely regarded as the best electric motors and controllers of their time – was crucial to their success. Having gained a reputation for quality, safety, and dependability, Detroit Electric advertised in 1914 that both Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were among their customers – Ford having purchased one for his wife, Clara. Production peaked in 1916 with 1,893 cars built.

The Brougham body style was designed to accommodate ladies in long dresses and hats, making it easy for them to step in and out of the car. This Detroit Blue example features such refined touches as cut-glass bud vases, interior lights, and a padded footrest. Though requiring recommissioning and batteries to be fully operational, this charming example is sure to spark interest for enthusiasts of the first era of electric cars.