1924 Auto Red Bug Buckboard

The design of the Auto Red Bug originated in Milwaukee, WI in 1916, powered by a small gasoline engine.  The Automotive Electric Service Company of North Bergen, NJ purchased the rights to the design in 1924 and redesigned the vehicle as "The Electric Roadster".  The electric Red Bug was powered by a 12 volt Northeast electric motor, the same used as a starter for popular automobiles of the day.  Advertisements exclaimed, "The Red Bug is everybody's car!" and perhaps a Red Bug or two were found on the winding roads of Llewellyn Park. 

For consignment, a fully restored 1924 Auto Red Bug Buckboard in amazing condition.  Move over, Tesla, this former gasoline powered electric vehicle is 100 years old and was originally owned by Lou Costello of the comedy act duo Abbott and Costello!  Combining features of a Radio Flyer, a bicycle, and a period roadster, this looks like a shade tree project but was truly manufactured for the public from 1916 to 1928.  Our example has a National AACA Senior First Prize from 2012 to its credit and appearances and ribbons from the Concours d'Elegance of the Eastern United States, and the Edison Concours d'Elegance. 

Exterior
The metal components including the fenders, 20-inch wire wheels, and trunk are bright red.  This contrasts beautifully with the oak slats and barrel-like wood seats.  The seats have black vinyl covered pads and the 4 spoke steering wheel is rimmed in painted wood that has been hand formed with tongue and groove craftsmanship.  Dainty red foot pedals and a thick steering column pick up on the red paint, while a black horn is flanked by a pair of bug eye headlights.  The glossy red trunk sits over an electric motor suspended by more wood planks.  It's all in museum quality condition. 

Interior
This is an open vehicle with no coverage from the elements.  Therefore, the exterior and the interior are the same! 

Drivetrain
An electric motor powered by a two-speed electric drive through the throttle resistors, powered by a 12 volt battery and connected to the rear wheels.  The brakes consist of a Model T Ford internally expanding shoe/drum and the fender brake is for parking with a clever key interlock.

Undercarriage
The underside condition mirrors the top as all surfaces are clean. Wires run the length of chassis to connect the pedals and lights to the power source.  There is no suspension as the body boards are designed to slightly flex and absorb imperfections in the road.  Stainless steel hardware connects components and terminates under the vehicle.  

Drive-Ability
We kept it indoors for this one to keep the tires clean.  The electric motor has adequate power to have this Buckboard scoot with some quickness, and its quiet, fumeless operation is a bonus.  The seats, and the cart in general, are great for short distances.  The only issue we encountered is that the throttle stays open when fully depressed and must be lifted back up with your heel. 

Here's an historic and relatively obscure piece of American transportation that rarely comes up for sale and this one is in perfect condition.  Whether to traverse your estate, display in your museum or show at Concours events, this is a conversation piece that will stop people in their tracks.  With historic images and vintage ads, a full set of digital manuals, records and history articles that accompany the car, you'll have a complete show car you can transport in an SUV!

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.

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