Driving the Selden Motor Buggy during the Selden Patent Suit

01

Artifact Overview

George Selden conceived -- but didn't build -- a self-propelled gasoline-powered vehicle in 1877 and patented the idea in 1895. The Association of Licensed Automobile Manufacturers enforced Selden's patent, but Henry Ford fought ALAM in court. This car was completed for Selden in 1907 as evidence for the legal battle. Ford ultimately won, freeing himself and other automakers from paying royalties to ALAM.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Lantern slide

Subject Date

1907-1911

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

86.186.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Glass (Material)

Color

Black-and-white (Colors)

Dimensions

Height: 3.25 in
Width: 4 in