1916 Woods Dual-Power Hybrid Coupe

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Artifact Overview

In 1916, gasoline was cheap, and no one cared about tailpipe emissions. But this hybrid wasn't about fuel prices or pollution. Woods Motor Vehicle Company built it to capture new customers. Sales of the company's electric cars were falling as more people chose gasoline-burning cars. The Dual-Power supposedly combined the best of both, but customers disagreed. The car and the company disappeared in 1918.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1916

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America

Object ID

28.436.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Adin P. Rawnsley.

Material

Glass (Material)
Leather
Metal
Rubber (Material)

Color

Black (Color)
Light green

Dimensions

Height: 82.5 in
Width: 63 in
Length: 160 in

Inscriptions

Running boards: WOODS Hubs: WOODS

Specifications

Make & Model: 1916 Woods Dual-Power hybrid coupe
Maker: Woods Motor Vehicle Company, Chicago, Illinois
Engine: inline-4, L-head valves, 69 cubic inches
Motor: DC, lead-acid batteries, 48 volts, 24 cells
Height: 82.5 inches
Wheelbase: 110 inches
Width: 63 inches
Overall length: 160 inches
Weight: 3000 pounds
Horsepower: gasoline, 14 / electric, unknown
Price: $2,650
Average 1916 wage: $708
Time you'd work to buy this car: about 3 years, 9 months
1916 Woods Dual-Power Hybrid Coupe