1917 Woods Mobilette Roadster

01

Artifact Overview

For a few years in the 1910s, cyclecars thrived as affordable alternatives to full-sized automobiles. This 1917 Woods Mobilette, with a four-cylinder engine and a higher build quality than most competitors, sold for $380. Consider that a roomier, sturdier Ford Model T sold for $360 at that time and it's easy to see why the cyclecar fell out of favor.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1917

Creator Notes

Chassis manufactured by Woods Mobilette Company, Chicago, Illinois; body made by Mossnick Phipps Mfg. Co. in Detroit, Michigan.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

36.321.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Harold A. Slater.

Material

Steel (Alloy)
Metal
Glass (Material)
Rubber (Material)
Leather

Color

Dark blue
Black (Color)
Gold (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 72 in
Width: 45.5 in
Length: 137.5 in

Inscriptions

Plate on firewall: 2144

Specifications

Make & Model: 1917 Woods Mobilette Roadster
Maker: Woods Mobilette Company, Chicago, Illinois
Engine: inline-4, L-head valves, 87 cubic inches
Transmission: 3-speed manual
Height: 72 inches
Wheelbase: 104 inches
Width: 45.5 inches
Overall length: 137.5 inches
Weight: 1200 pounds
Horsepower: 12
Price: $380
1917 Woods Mobilette Roadster