Vehicle Description
Established in 1899, the Woods Motor Vehicle Company of Chicago was
an early champion of electric-powered automobiles. The firm got off
to a rocky start and fell into receivership in 1901. By the
following year, the firm was reorganized, and a new president was
installed at the helm. With additional investment, a new factory in
the north end of Chicago, and a line of high-quality cars, Woods
finally found success. By 1904, the range expanded to include more
luxurious machines, and between 1905-1907, they added a pure
gasoline-powered car to the portfolio. But most intriguing was the
so-called "Dual Power" model which could run on petrol or battery.
Woods cars were expensive, exclusive, and boasted a reputation for
exceptional quality. Unfortunately, the reputation alone was not
enough to drive sales, and the high price combined with falling
demand for electric cars spiraled Woods into a financial crisis.
They experimented again with a new Dual Power concept, this time
utilizing a primitive hybrid system, with electric power up to 15
mph, gasoline assistance up to 35 mph, and pure gasoline power
above that. It was a novel concept, but it was horrifically costly
to build and never quite functioned as advertised. A wave of
warranty claims and plummeting demand spelled the end of Woods
Motor Vehicle in 1918. This 1906 Style 103 Victoria is a lovely and
rarely-seen example of a pure electric Woods. This charming little
two-seat runabout is offered from long-term private ownership and
is presented with a wonderfully honest patina. It is a stalwart of
the Antique Automobile Club of America and the Horseless Carriage
Club of America since the 1950s and is exceptionally
well-preserved. The body is simple yet elegant, finished in
Brewster Green with cream accents, cream chassis, and detailed with
period-correct carriage lamps and leather mudguards. Badges from
the AACA and HCCA adorn the front lid, and a brass firewall tag
documents its participation in the 1953 Midwest Antique Automobile
Meet. Perched in the lofty bench seat, the driver is greeted with
simple controls consisting of a single foot pedal and tiller for
steering and throttle. The beauty of these early electric cars is
their inherent simplicity, with no fuel or cooling systems to worry
about and refreshingly easy operation. A period-correct Weston
combination volt/amp meter keeps tabs on the batteries, but the
dash is otherwise free of distractions. The button-tufted leather
on the seat could very likely be original, and it is in remarkably
good order. It is consistently aged, displaying a few cracks,
repairs, and plenty of character earned over more than a century of
use and care. The Woods Style 103 features a battery compartment at
each end, with a mid-mounted motor and differential. The diff
drives the rear artillery wheels via twin chains, and there is a
single driveshaft mounted brake to keep that unbridled horsepower
under control. As offered here, batteries are not included
(batteries not included) though the motor has been tested and found
to be in working order. There's little doubt that this would be an
immensely enjoyable buggy for use on club events and veteran car
runs with minimal preparation. Increasingly, significant worldwide
concours are celebrating the significance of early electrics, and
this delightful little Woods would surely be a welcome participant
in a wide array of gatherings. Offers welcome and trades considered
For additional details please view this listing directly on our
website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6916-1906-woods-electric-victoria/