Electric vehicles are a hot topic today, sparking debates and capturing headlines worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned EV enthusiast or simply curious about the buzz, it’s undeniable that electric cars are increasingly relevant. However, the concept of electric vehicles is far from new. Stepping back in time to the early days of automobiles reveals that electric cars were indeed a choice, especially for those with considerable wealth. Imagine the elite of the 1920s, seeking sophisticated and quiet transportation for their sprawling estates and exclusive resorts. This is where the Auto Red Bug Buckboard comes into the picture, and remarkably, a beautifully restored 1920 electric model is currently for sale. Could this vintage red bug tool electric car be the perfect unique addition to your collection?
In the Roaring Twenties, names like Getty, Rockefeller, and Carnegie dominated the news, not just for their industrial empires but also for their opulent lifestyles. They frequented lavish resorts where larger, gasoline-powered automobiles were often restricted. This created a niche for smaller, more discreet personal transportation. Forget the casual attire of today; back then, the resort scene was all about fine leather shoes, tailored suits, and elegant hats – a world far removed from modern-day laid-back styles.
Enter the cyclecar, or as we might call them today, microcars. These were minimalist vehicles, and among the most popular was the Red Bug. Its history began with A.O. Smith, who produced the Smith Flyer, a basic four-wheeled vehicle with a single-cylinder gasoline engine powering a fifth wheel for propulsion. From 1916 to 1919, Smith’s American Motor Vehicle Company manufactured these. The production rights then transitioned to Briggs and Stratton.
Briggs and Stratton later sold the Red Bug rights to the Automotive Electric Service Corporation in 1924. This marked a turning point, with both gasoline and electric Auto Red Bugs being produced. Luxury retailers like Abercrombie and Fitch even sold them, and some even found their way to European showrooms, often tucked away in high-end outfitters’ shops. While the Red Bug might seem like a toy car to modern eyes, its small size made it ideal for navigating large estates and resort locations like Jekyll Island.
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The electric version of the Red Bug was particularly well-suited for this purpose. It was incredibly user-friendly, eliminating the complexities of starting and maintaining a gasoline engine. Simply switch it “ON” and press the pedal – much like a modern golf cart, which arguably shares a lineage with this early electric vehicle. The Red Bug could even be seen as a precursor to today’s electric golf carts rather than just a microcar ancestor.
The images highlight the electric motor and battery setup. It’s likely that the battery box housed two of the most robust automotive batteries of that era. It raises questions about battery technology of the time – were standard batteries used, or were specialized batteries developed for the Red Bug to handle frequent charging cycles? Intriguingly, the electric motor was similar to those used to start Dodge vehicles at the time. The durability and lifespan of these starter motors in this continuous-use application would be fascinating to know.
This particular Auto Red Bug is advertised as a 1920 model. While production rights shifted in 1924, it suggests that the Automotive Electrical Service Corporation might have been manufacturing these under license before the official sale. Reportedly one of the oldest surviving Auto Red Bugs, it underwent a restoration in the 1950s and was meticulously re-restored in 2020 over a year. It is stated to be in perfect running condition, though sparingly driven since its latest restoration.
While it’s uncertain if the current bid will secure a sale, this Auto Red Bug presents a unique opportunity for collectors. These vehicles are recognized by the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) and are legally classified as automobiles. They are more than just vintage vehicles; they are conversation starters, especially in today’s electric vehicle landscape. The Red Bug serves as a tangible reminder that electric propulsion has a history and a place, even if it wasn’t universally adopted then or now.
Would owning and showcasing this Auto Red Bug, a genuine piece of electric vehicle history, appeal to you? Or do you see it as more of a charming, historical electric go-kart? The comments section is open for your thoughts!
