1913 Bronx Electric Truck Project

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1913 Bronx Electric Truck represents an era when electric propulsion was seen as a practical solution for urban delivery. Built during the early wave of electric commercial vehicles, it featured twin General Electric 85-volt motors driving the rear wheels via chain, powered by a bank of 14 six-volt batteries housed in a removable box.  

The truck had a steel chassis with a wooden body, and it rode on a 112-inch wheelbase with longitudinal leaf springs and six-spoke Vulcan wheels fitted with solid rubber tires. Standing eight feet tall, the truck offered three forward and reverse speeds through a simple lever control. 

Electric trucks like this were favored for their quiet operation and low maintenance compared to early gasoline engines, making them an intriguing option in dense cities. However, as internal combustion technology advanced, electric trucks virtually disappeared. 

This 1913 Bronx Electric Truck, offered from The Richard Gordon Collection, was restored during previous ownership. The truck’s wooden body is finished in black paint with gold accents, while the chassis and wheels wear red. The electric vehicle also features a wooden-plank roof with a fabric cover, wooden bench seat with black vinyl padding, and Firestone pneumatic tires. The truck does not run and should be considered a project. 

Factory Equipment 

• Twin General Electric 85-volt motor and Sangamo ampere-hour meter 

• 14 six-volt batteries in removable box 

• Manual lever control with three forward and reverse speeds 

• Chain drive to the rear wheels 

• Steel chassis 

• Six-spoke Vulcan demountable steel wheels 

• Longitudinal leaf springs at both the front and rear 

• Glass windshield with single wiper for driver 

• Four-spoke, wood-rimmed steering wheel 

Modifications 

• Past restoration included new wood on the body 

• Black body paint with gold accents 

• Wooden-plank roof with a fabric cover 

• Hinged wooden tailgate 

• Red paint on steel chassis and wheels 

• Modern digital voltmeter in the cab to monitor battery charge 

• Firestone Transport 100 6.50x20 pneumatic tires 

• Removable black vinyl padding on bench seat 

Known Imperfections 

• Wood interior finish is fading 

• Wheels are scuffed and tires show imperfections from age 

Ownership History 

This 1913 Bronx Electric Truck is offered from The Richard Gordon Collection. It has been kept in heated storage for several years. 

Included Items 

• Removable step ladder for easy entry 

Additional Information 

A Broad Arrow Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the seller of this vehicle. As such, the purchase transaction will be facilitated by Broad Arrow, including vehicle payment, applicable taxes required to be collected by the seller or Broad Arrow, and title/ownership reassignment. Broad Arrow is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty. 

Contact: Craig Zimmerman Phone: 586.707.5811‬ email: cszimmerman@hagerty.com