NO RESERVE 1920s Auto Red Bug Electric Microcar
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1920
- Make: Automotive Standards
- Model: Auto Red Bug
- VIN: 461
- Mileage Shown: 0
- Transmission: Automatic
- Title Status: Bill of Sale
- Color: Red
- Seller: SVAutoShep
- Seller Type: Dealer
- Location: Hailey, ID 83333
- Dealer Fees: None
- Lot #: V-0011699
Up for auction at no reserve is this 1920s Auto Red Bug electric microcar. First marketed as the “Flyer” these early microcars offered innovative all-electric drivetrains and were primarily manufactured between 1916-1920 in Indiana by the American Motor Vehicle Company. Red Bugs were sold through the upscale sporting and apparel retailer Abercrombie & Fitch in New York City, as well as high-end toy store F.A.O. Schwartz. Originally intended for the wealthy as a novelty item and a means of close-range transportation, the Auto Red Bug was a pioneer of electric automotive technology. This particular example, #461, originally belonged to the current owner’s grandmother in Long Island before it was along passed to his father and eventually relocated to Idaho where it remains today. Having since been restored, this rare and fully operational Auto Red Bug is now being offered for auction without reserve by its seller out of Sun Valley, ID.
The Red Bug features a simplistic construction consisting of wooden floor panels and a red-painted frame. The wooden seats are lined with sheepskin, and behind them lies a red-painted box housing two modern 6-volt golf cart batteries. The rear wheels of the Auto Red Bug are driven by electric motors that were used as starters for Dodge automobiles of the 1920s. This microcar was restored some time ago and the seller notes some flaking paint on the electric motor as well as wear on the seating surfaces. The front fenders are also missing.
This Red Bug will be accompanied by a bill of sale. A forerunner to the modern electric car, this Auto Red Bug represents an important piece of automotive history.
Auction Results
- Sold for: $3,250
- Auction End: Jul 21, 2021 07:35:00PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 9
Comments (21)
Totally cool
Sold for $3,250
RNM?
Bid in the amount of $3,250
Bid in the amount of $3,000
Bid in the amount of $2,500
Last hour before the family who had three generations of kids use this Red Bug as their first driver. Low production number, operational and beautiful just as it sits. These Red Bugs sell around $5,000 as restoration candidates and well over $20,000 if the bidders have a scotch or two! Happy bidding and an early congratulations to the next owner.
Bid in the amount of $2,250
Bid in the amount of $2,000
Bid in the amount of $1,500
Bid in the amount of $1,200
@356a The tires are inflated with air, a Single axle brake on the driver side, Single Phase electrical motor with an estimated top speed of 15 mph, no reverse gear, just set your foot down and kick backward! Lots of fun to operate! The horn works and is activated by pushing a button under the driver's seat.
@356a The Auto Red Bug has two linked 6-volt batteries that create a 12 Volt system. I have had the Red Bug on display for a year and the batteries have never drained. Most of the time I don't have it on a battery tender, when I do I put a negative clamp on the passenger battery and the positive on the steering wheel side battery. It's unknown how far, or long the charge would continuously operate. I suppose that would depend on a lot of factors. Such as terrain, slope angle, temperature, and the weight of the passenger(s) extra. After viewing photos of other Red Bugs on Google images, I would say the front fenders appear similar to the rears in both style and function. Thanks for your questions and interest.
Bid in the amount of $500
Is the brake a single drum on the left rear wheel or is it on the drive shaft/ axel? Approx. What kind of speed will it Go? Are the tires air or solid? If it has reverse how is the gear changed from forward to backward? Is the clutch a basic centrifugal one? Thanks.
What is the battery charging system ? Is it a standard 6-V auto charger or is it like a gilf cart system? How long does a full charge last (approx hours)? Are the missing front fenders like those in the rear and did they attach to the frame the same way?
Bid in the amount of $250
@SVAutoClub @SVAutoShep
Thanks. I watch for it.
Here is a video of the Auto Red Bug. Skip ahead to the 3:23 mark to the driving portion. It's fully operational. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VKYMhO2zKE
@91179viz The White 964 will be coming to PCarMarket soon. It's a 1990 C4 Manual, 67,258 miles. Details to follow with the auction listing.
Interested in the white 964 in the background. For sale?