The Milburn Wagon Company was a prominent wagon builder based in Toledo, Ohio. Founded in 1848, the company built horse-drawn vehicles until finally announcing their intent to join the automobile market in 1914 with an electric-powered runabout. While they may have been a little late to the market, Milburn enjoyed a loyal following thanks to their well-established reputation for quality wagons, and sales topped 1,000 cars in their first year. Their earliest models had a range of approximately 60-75 miles, with up to 20 mph possible in the lightweight roadster. Although electric power was falling by the wayside in favor of petrol by the time Milburn came to market, they continued to develop their cars and find new solutions to the age-old electric car problem of recharging downtime. Their answer was simple – mounting the batteries on a removable tray, which could quickly and easily be exchanged for a fully charged set. Period advertising declared, “It makes charging as easy as driving.” Even as internal combustion became the way forward, Milburn enjoyed steady success building electric cars under their name, and supported the coffers by contracting with outside companies for body-building services. Over their 8 years in operation, the company variously offered a light commercial delivery car, taxicab, sedan-limousine, and a four-passenger brougham. A devastating factory fire in 1919 nearly spelled the end for Milburn, but they managed to hang on and move production to a new plant in 1920. By this time, the contract work of building bodies (primarily for Oldsmobile) occupied most of Milburn’s workforce. Electric car production ceased in 1923 shortly after General Motors purchased the Milburn plant. Once they used up the last remaining stocks of parts and completed the final obligations of their body contract, Buick moved in and Milburn Electric was no more.

This rare 1921 Milburn Light Electric Model 27L is a complete and functioning example wearing the popular four-seat Brougham body style. It displays considerable patina and is well suited to a straightforward restoration, however, it is in operational condition and could be tidied up and enjoyed as-is with some additional preparation. Recently updated with modern batteries in the front and rear compartments, it drives respectably well, boasting improved performance and range thanks to the more powerful batteries.

As evident by the body, fittings, and interior appointments, the Milburn was a quality car in its day, costing $2,685 when new. It rides on a 105-inch wheelbase chassis, with a General Electric motor positioned just ahead of the rear wheels. The motor drives a short propshaft to a rear differential, and the car offers two forward speeds and one reverse. Typical of many early electrics, the Milburn utilizes tiller steering and hand controls for the throttle. Like similar vehicles, this Milburn boasts simple operation, low maintenance, and mechanical simplicity. Milburn and competing electric car companies touted these facts in advertising aimed at affluent women who lived in urban settings.

Finished in black over a blue fabric interior, the paintwork of this displays some bubbling in places and a tired, careworn satin finish. Similarly, the interior appears well-used but free of obvious significant flaws in the upholstery. The materials do show their age and are loose in places, with some deterioration of the carpets evident. Body and interior fittings appear largely complete, making a restoration a relatively clear cut prospect. Rearward facing jump seats, the upholstered bulkhead, and bud vases lend the cabin a parlor-like atmosphere, which suits the quiet and relaxed nature of the electric drivetrain. Controls are in good working order, and instrumentation consists of a non-functional clock and speedometer/odometer in the forward bulkhead. The interior appears to be mostly complete, and as with the body, forms a sound basis to restore to its former beauty.

With the increased attention on electric power for our modern vehicles, pioneering examples such as this are as relevant as ever, and today’s collectors appreciate early electric cars for many of the same reasons as the original buyers did. Uncomplicated, easily serviced, and a breeze to drive, this rare and charming Milburn Light Electric brougham gives us a fascinating look back to the alternative-fuel motorcars of our past.

Offers welcome and trades considered