Vehicle Description
1924 Auto Red Bug. Original 12 Volt electric motor. Well preserved
older restoration, runs good. At 300.00, they were priced about the
same as a new, Model T Ford. Complete with horns and lights. �
The�Auto Red Bug�automobiles were amongst the first "micro cars"
built in America. The earliest models were called the "Flyer" and
made by the A.O. Smith Company. After building them for a few
years, the Smith Company sold the rights to Briggs & Stratton.
Briggs & Stratton built the small wood vehicles until 1924 when
they sold the designs and patents to the Automotive Electric
Service Corporation of New Jersey. Red Bugs were sold in the US, UK
and France mostly as a novelty for the wealthy but also for
transportation within resorts and amusement parks. At 300.00, they
were priced about the same as a new, Model T Ford. This 1924
example was one of the first examples built by the Automotive
Electric Service Corporation of North Bergen, New Jersey. From 1924
until 1928, the company offered the Red Bug with either a small,
single cylinder, gasoline- engine or an electric motor. This
example is powered by a 12-volt electric motor, which was basically
the same Northeast motor that Dodge used as a starter for their
automobiles. By virtue of the Red Bug's weight of only 240 pounds
combined with a properly geared, final drive assembly, the little
car was capable of speeds up to 16 miles per hour. The car was
built using a wood platform with steel re-enforcements. It was
equipped with clincher wire wheels, headlights, a taillight and a
horn. There was seating for two and a steering wheel attached to a
conventional, frontend assembly. With its compact 62" wheelbase,
the Red Bug was small, light weight, and easy to drive. Showing a
well preserved but older restoration, this 1924 Red Bug presents
extremely nice. The paint shows overall signs of wear but has a
charming, aged, look to it. The polished wood flooring has mellowed
with age and has a nice, soft glow to its finish. The seats have
been appropriately upholstered and the aging of the material
matches the vehicle's overall condition. This example retains its
original 12-volt, Northeast electric motor which seems to run well
and adequately propels the car down the road. The brakes need some
adjustment. The original headlights, taillight and horn operate as
they should. The original wheels and older replacement tires are in
good condition. Driving this little car is a lot of fun and it
really gets around nicely. �This Red Bug a great piece of Americana
and represents an important part of automotive history. It began
the micro-car movement, which would re-appear consistently during
the next 100 years and is still being promoted today. This is a
nice original example that is ready to be displayed anywhere and
will certainly bring smiles to those who are fortunate enough to be
able to take it for a spin around the neighborhood or backyard.
Please note that due to the nature of this vehicle, it is being
sold with a bill of sale only.
