Vehicle Description
The Auto Red Bug was one of several names given to this cheeky
little buckboard runabout, first appearing as the electric-powered
Red Bug in Lafayette, Indiana in 1916. The A.O. Smith Company of
Milwaukee, Wisconsin put it into series production as the Smith
Flyer, later selling the rights to Briggs and Stratton, who in turn
sold them to the Automotive Electric Service Company of North
Bergen, New Jersey. Little more than a toboggan on wheels, the Auto
Red Bug was one of the earliest "microcars", designed as a
plaything for wealthy motorists or for nipping around the city.
Both gas and electric versions were produced, and reportedly sold
through famous retail outlets including Abercrombie & Fitch and
F.A.O. Schwartz. Some late examples even wound up as amusement park
rides. This example has been fully restored in its signature red
wheels and fenders accenting a varnished wood chassis. The 5-hp,
single-cylinder Briggs & Stratton engine powers a single motor
wheel, and comments from our road tester describe the performance
as being "plenty fast." This is a wonderful opportunity to add an
excellent examples of the rare and highly collectible Auto Red Bug
to your microcar or automobilia collection. Offers welcome and
trades considered For additional details please view this listing
directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6978-1920-auto-red-bug/
