The 1922 Milburn Electric is a very late example of the first generation of electric cars. Built by the Milburn Wagon Company in Toledo, Ohio, this electric car boasts a distinctive design reminiscent of a horse-drawn buggy. Between 1915 and 1923, the Milburn Wagon Company crafted approximately 4,000 of these quiet, clean, and stylish electric cars, offering a stark contrast to the noisy, smelly, and challenging-to-operate gasoline cars of the time. President Woodrow Wilson himself owned a 1918 Milburn Electric, which was driven around the White House grounds.
Equipped with 14 new deep cycle batteries, totaling over 900 pounds, the Milburn Electric features a limited range of 60 miles and a top speed of 30 miles per hour. The Milburn Electric's batteries come with rollers, allowing for easy replacement. Despite being well-built, the cost of this electric marvel was over ten times that of a 1922 Ford Model T. However, by 1923, the demand for electric vehicles diminished, leading to the end of Milburn, with its factory acquired by Buick.
A labor of love is evident in its interior, where intricate hand-worked needlepoint, a product of nearly five years of dedication, adorns the plush mohair surroundings. The luxurious features extend to silk curtains and elegant 8-inch crystal vases on each side, delicately cradling seven sweetheart roses.
Our Milburn recently participated in the Pebble Beach Road Tour, showcasing its enduring presence among Early American Electric Cars.
